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Happy New Year, romance readers! I hope your winter holidays were adequately restful and you’re ready for 2025. This is going to be…quite the year for many of us, and I’m glad we all have romance novels as a necessary escape from the world. If we have the privilege of escape, anyway.
January was near full to bursting with new romance, so it was very hard for me to narrow this list down to twenty—yes, twenty—new releases! And that doesn’t even include anticipated releases like Rebecca Yarros’s Onyx Storm, or Chloe Liese’s Once Smitten, Twice Shy; or some super pretty looking rereleases like Beneath The Stars by Emily McIntire, Penny Reid’s Truth or Beard, or Power of Persuasion by Stacey Abrams (originally published when she was writing as Selena Montgomery). And while not strictly romance-related, 2025 is apparently the year of the Queer Classic, as we’re getting an Oxford edition of The Well of Loneliness and a new edition of EM Forster’s posthumously published Maurice, which has some really nice illustrations included. ALSO. We’re getting a brand new fantasy series from thee Jude Deveraux. (She is my first, my last, my everything when it comes to romance novels; I’m always excited to see what she’s come up with!)
But you know about those. As usual, I wanted to pull together some titles you probably wouldn’t come across at Target or at the top of the featured list on Amazon. That doesn’t mean they’re not total bangers; whether it’s the adult debut of a National Book Award winner or the (approximate) 30th book by a beloved veteran, there’s something here for everyone. We’ve got our usual majority contemporary reads, but there are also some great-looking historical, fantasy, and science fiction romances that I can’t wait to get my hands on. (Okay, some of them are already in my possession, but whatever.) Check these out and then buy them all!
New Romance Books: January 2025
Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura
If you found yourself crossing your fingers for a couple of prominent side characters in Raiders of the Lost Heart, look no further than Temple of Swoon for Rafa and Miri’s story! Dr. Miriam Jacobs might have been tasked with leading an expedition through the Amazon to find a lost city, but journalist Rafael Monfils is determined to make sure they don’t find it. Miri is smarter than anyone might take her for, though, and they’ll need to help each other when danger lurks beyond the trees.
More Than Friends by Reese Ryan
This third book in Reese Ryan’s Love & Music Suite brings two longtime friends together. Leilani and Toby dated in high school, but found that they worked better as friends. When a bit too much to drink brings down both of their inhibitions, an evening of flirtation leads to a night of passion that neither of them will ever forget. But they decide to pursue an FWB situationship instead of potentially damaging their life-long friendship with the pursuit of a relationship. Because that always works.
Seducing the Widow by Jane Walsh
Second Chance is apparently the name of the game this month, because this one features two women who were once debutantes together, 15 years after one of them chose the earl instead of the girl. Cass’s family business is in trouble, and Louise, now a widow, has the power to improve the business’s circumstances. But time together brings back all of the chemistry and passion they once shared, and it could mean ruin for both of them.
The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard
Amalie Howard is a familiar name in historical romance circles, but now she’s venturing into romantasy with this book inspired by Persian and Indian culture and mythology.
Suraya is a bladesmith with the power to infuse magic into her blades. When she’s invited to the king’s court, she isn’t sure what might be in store for her visit, but is excited to visit the city her mother loved. Then unrest leads to Suraya being on the run with the king’s illegitimate second son. The two might have intense chemistry, but they’re also each keeping secrets that could lead to dangerous consequences for them and the whole kingdom.
French Pressed Love by MC Hutson
When coffee shop manager Jordan and heiress Noémie find themselves in similar financial situations, they unexpectedly end up relying on each other. Jordan doesn’t make much money, and she doesn’t particularly like her job. Making it worse is her least favorite customer of every day, Noémie, who struts in every day like she owns the place. But when she’s cut off financially from her rich father, Noémie gets a job at the coffee place and then suggests she and Jordan live together. What could possibly go wrong?
I Think They Love You by Julian Winters
Denz needs to pretend to be in a relationship to prove that he’s the best choice to run his family’s business, but the friend and roommate he planned to fake it with doesn’t show up, so as a last resort he calls in his ex: Braylon. Braylon similarly needs Denz’s connections for his own gain, so he agrees to join him at family functions. But the time they spend together leads to some confusing moments.
Single Player by Tara Tai
When Cat gets her dream job as a writer for her favorite video game, she’s excited to put her stamp on the in-game romances that she loves. Too bad the narrative lead, Andi, hates the idea of HEAs, especially on what they feel is their story. When the two have to work together—not just to tell the story, but to uncover a plot to damage Andi’s name—they go from reluctant coworkers to something else entirely.
My Funny Demon Valentine by Aurora Ascher
What happens when you meet the man of your dreams, but moments later he turns into a seven-foot hell demon? I guess you roll with the punches and keep on moving. Asmodeus just wants to live his life and play jazz, but there’s the whole problem with him being a prince of Hell. He can usually keep his identity a secret, but then he meets a beautiful violinist who can see through his glamour. Calamity ensues. But also hilarity.
Note: This book was originally published in 2021 and is going to be rereleased by Kensington.
The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao
Take Hindu mythology and fantasy romance and smush them together, and you get The Legend of Meneka. Meneka has been trained as a weapon, and her assignment is to seduce a human sage. Even though completing the mission will mean she doesn’t have to take anymore, she finds herself hesitant to finish, as fascination evolves into something like love. This is the first book in a series, so I’m not sure if it can stand alone, but it sounds like a great start.
Unromance by Erin Connor
This novel has such an interesting premise, and I’m so ready to see how it all goes wrong for them! A recently-dumped TV star and a recently-dumped romance novelist get stuck in an elevator together, which leads to an unexpected partnership. She has writer’s block and he’s a hopeless romantic, and they’re hoping to cure each other of all of it in the strangest way: he wants her to use all of her knowledge of romance novels to help him resist any future rom-com-worthy events, and she hopes all the effort will help with her already-late novel. But with all the romance, will they end up falling in love anyway?
Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung Jessen
Chryssy never believed in the family curse—until she got dumped for the ninth time. Since then, she’s joined the family business that helps the broken-hearted. When she meets celebrity cellist (and bad boy) Vin Chao, leading to all kinds of speculation, the pair decide to fake date in order to help each of them get what they want: their breakup will offer enough interest to increase his ticket sales, while he can promote her business. It’s a win-win, right? But this is a romance novel, so….
My Inconvenient Duke by Loretta Chase
The third Difficult Duke makes an appearance in this new witty and charming book by historical fave Loretta Chase. Alice needs a husband, for many reasons. And Giles, Duke of Blackwood might as well be the man for the job. The pair have known each other since childhood, and once got along remarkably well—until he messed that relationship up well and good. But he keeps making himself useful, including potentially offering himself up for marriage. Damn.
The Broposal by Sonora Reyes
Sonora Reyes has made quite the name for themself on the YA circuit, and after having received the National Book Award and Lambda Literary Award for The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, they are bursting onto the adult romance scene with The Broposal.
What do you do when your best friend loses the job that was imperative for the renewal of their visa? Obviously, you ask him to marry you, even though you’re both kind of sure that you’re straight. But when you have to pretend to be in love to make the whole thing work, real feelings might make things all the more confusing.
The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee
In this follow-up to 2024’s The 7-10 Split, Karmen Lee takes us back to Peach Blossom, Georgia. When Jessica is heading into town for a visit, her car breaks down, and the mechanic who helps her out is everything Jessica wants in a fling. But Vini wants more than anything to fall in love. As she takes time out of her schedule to drive a carless Jessica around town, she isn’t sure if she’s willing to compromise.
Secret Spark by Kelly Farmer
Look, y’all. This book was written specifically for me. Okay, not actually, but it feels like it! This was originally a novella that Kelly expanded into a full-length book, and eventually a universe.
Nice Girl Sadie lives a pretty quiet life and works a pretty quiet job—with the exception of the damage the superheroes and villains keep doing to the coffee shop where she works. When she starts dating Joan, she’s certain the woman is a superhero who would treat her well. But, well, Joan is a supervillain. She wants to get out of the business and open a food truck, living the quiet life with a nice girl—but life gets in the way sometimes.
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
This title is doing double work as a couple uses a grueling hiking program to help them mend their relationship. Sarah and Caleb were high school sweethearts and have been each other’s support system and partner for going on two decades. After Sarah tries to complete a large project on her own and Caleb sweeps in to save the day, the pair struggle with who they are as a couple and on their own. So they decide to take part in a hiking trip (even though they’re both “nature averse”) that will include little exercises to help bring them back into sync. If you liked Bonam-Young’s Out on a Limb, these and a few other characters will be familiar.
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti
It’s a new twist on one of my favorite historical romance plots: showing up at the home of the man you’ve been corresponding with to offer yourself up for marriage, only to discover the man has no idea who you are! In this case, Lydia has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch for years, discussing politics and everything else under the sun. So when he admits to being destitute, she heads to Scotland to offer herself as the solution. Unfortunately, it’s not the earl, but his younger brother who has been writing to Lydia. And even more, unfortunately, he and this woman have something like chemistry.
For One Night Only by Jessica James
A former romance between bandmates leads to a fauxmance in this messy debut! Valerie’s TV show is in danger of cancellation thanks in part to her own regular appearances in the tabloids. But she might be able to save it with a reunion concert for the band she was once the lead singer for. And after having publicly been in a doomed relationship with the bass player of the same band, the reunion concert is leading some folks to believe there’s another reunion happening…and they’re willing to play to the fans. Why not?
Flirting With Disaster by Naina Kumar
Did somebody say Sweet Home Alabama reimagining?!
Mina and Nikhil fell in love and eloped to Vegas years ago, and it’s been nearly as long since they’ve seen each other. Now that Mina is a hotshot lawyer on Capitol Hill, she’s returned to their Texas home town to get a divorce. But a hurricane heading in their direction means that she and Nikhil have to hunker down together until the storm passes. What happens when the time they spend together leads them to discover the partners they lost and the new people they’ve become?
Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto
I am not completely certain this counts as a romance novel, but I’m so intrigued I’m including it anyway.
There are so many pieces to this that draw in a reader: a love letter to Hawai’i that has hints of Ocean’s 8 and Blade Runner. A second chance with the one that got away (who also left you to rot in prison). A heist! That could take down The Man for good! There isn’t enough cyberpunk romance in the world, so I’m hoping this leans as far in that direction as it can while also giving us the best elements of sci-fi and heist fiction.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for January releases; there’s so much more to check out based on your interests and preferred tropes and subgenres. In the meantime, I hope your 2025 romance reading is both joyful and revolutionary. If you’re looking for more opportunities to revolutionize your reading, check out Susie’s article about how romance novels are political. And of course, remind yourself what awesome romances came out in December.
As always, you can find a full list of new releases in the magical New Release Index, carefully curated by your favorite Book Riot editors, organized by genre and release date.
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