2025 Romance Releases: What's to Come – Upcoming Releases and Anticipated Reads
As we step into 2025, romance readers have plenty to look forward to! This year promises a whirlwind of heartfelt stories, swoon-worthy characters, and jaw-dropping plot twists. From steamy dark romance to lighthearted contemporary tales, the upcoming releases are set to keep our TBR piles growing and our hearts racing. Whether you're looking for thrilling debuts or eagerly awaited sequels, this guide will walk you through the most anticipated romance reads of the year. Get ready to fall in love all over again!
Expected publication: January 6, 2025
Step into the gritty and passionate world of Filthy Savage, the third book in Lilian Harris’s Savage Kings series. This steamy age-gap romance delivers a thrilling blend of danger and desire as a forced marriage thrusts two opposites into a high-stakes battle of wills. Set against the backdrop of the Irish Mafia, the story weaves together forbidden passion, dark secrets, and explosive chemistry that will keep readers on edge. Perfect for fans of intense, emotionally charged romances with a dark twist, Filthy Savage is an unmissable addition to your 2025 reading list.
Ridley Sawyer channels the pain of her twin sister’s disappearance into a true crime podcast, traveling the country to solve cold cases. But when Sheriff Colt Brooks gets in her way, sparks fly. Colt, protective of his town, isn’t about to let a podcaster stir up trouble. As Ridley digs deeper into a case that suddenly heats up, she ends up living with Colt. While they grow closer, they both realize the game they’re playing might turn deadly as they unravel dangerous truths. Catherine Cowles is the bestselling author of the Sparrow Falls and The Lost & Found series.
Expected publication January 14, 2025
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author H.D. Carlton, known for the thrilling Cat and Mouse Duet, comes Phantom, an intoxicating tale of dark temptation and forbidden desire. This novel follows the dangerously seductive dynamic between a married woman of the manor and the enigmatic stranger outside, drawing readers into a world where desire and danger blur the lines between right and wrong. Carlton’s masterful storytelling and complex characters promise an unforgettable, haunting romance that will grip readers from start to finish. Look out for Phantom on January 21, 2025, as it brings a new level of intensity to dark romance.
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Expected publication: February 4, 2025
In this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis, a competitive diver and an ace swimmer are thrown together in forbidden waters. Sparks fly as they navigate their intense chemistry and the pressure of their respective sports, pushing boundaries both in and out of the pool. Deep End is a thrilling, heart-pounding romance that dives deep into love, competition, and desire. Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood’s signature mix of humor and heart.
My Dark Prince by L.J. Shen and Parker S. Huntington
Expected Publication: February 7, 2025
Book 3 in the Dark Prince Road series.
From Wall Street Journal bestsellers L.J. Shen and Parker S. Huntington comes My Dark Prince, a dark and twisted second-chance romance that reimagines Sleeping Beauty like never before. She’s marrying a monster—a wealthy fraud who claims they’re in love, even as his kisses are filled with hate and lust. Trapped in a gilded nightmare, she remembers only one thing: he’s the enemy. But Oliver, a damaged billionaire with a shadowy past, will do whatever it takes to keep her in the dark. Set in the decadent Dark Prince Road universe, My Dark Prince is an enemies-to-lovers standalone bursting with passion, secrets, and betrayal. This is a romance that will leave you breathless.
Expected Publication: February 11, 2025
The Ruinous Love Trilogy concludes with Scythe & Sparrow, a dark romantic comedy blending murder, mayhem, and spice. Motorcycle performer Rose Evans, a restless circus star with a penchant for mischief, finds herself stuck in small-town Nebraska after a mishap leaves her injured. Enter Fionn Kane, the town’s reserved, nerdy doctor escaping his own heartbreak and the chaos of his past life. As their worlds collide, sparks fly, secrets surface, and both must confront old wounds and lingering ghosts. From the bestselling author of Butcher & Blackbird and Leather & Lark, this finale promises an unforgettable mix of romance and thrills.
The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy
Expected publication: February 25, 2025
The third book in the steamy Campus Diaries series by New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy, set in the same world as Off Campus and Briar U. College senior Charlotte Kingston has it all—by day, she’s the perfect sorority girl and STEM student; by night, she’s Charlie, a daring risk-taker exploring the dating app world with two anonymous hotties. Will Larsen, a laid-back hockey player with family drama, and Beckett Dunne, his best friend, both harbor secret lives. When Charlie meets them in person, things heat up fast, but messy secrets threaten to unravel everything. As their chemistry intensifies, Charlie, Will, and Beckett must navigate their desires, personal struggles, and the line between lust and love.
Wild Side by Elsie Silver
Expected Publication: March 4, 2025
Wild Side, the third installment in Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill Series, brings a fiery and emotional enemies-to-lovers story set in the same irresistible small-town universe as Chestnut Springs. When a marriage of convenience forces two sworn adversaries under one roof, sparks—and secrets—fly. Rhys Dupris is a brooding, mysterious single dad whose intensity is matched only by his undeniable pull on the woman who vows never to forgive him. With palpable tension, heartfelt revelations, and a romance as tempestuous as it is tender, this latest addition to the Rose Hill Series is sure to steal hearts and keep readers hooked.
Story of My Life by Lucy Score
Expected publication: March 11, 2025
A hilarious romantic comedy that blends the charm of Gilmore Girls with the quirky humor of Schitt's Creek! In Story of My Life, a successful big-city romcom author who’s lost faith in real-life happily ever afters seeks inspiration by buying a house—and a spot on the town council—in a small lake town desperate for its own love story. As she navigates small-town politics, eccentric neighbours, and unexpected romance, she might just find the happily ever after she’s been searching for. Packed with humor, heart, and plenty of heartwarming moments, this is a must-read for romcom fans!
In Psychotic Obsession, Leigh Rivers returns to the gritty, suspenseful world fans know and love. This standalone story delves into the darkly twisted love between Tobias Mitchell and Aria Miller, a couple that left readers captivated in The Edge of Darkness Trilogy. Tobias, a fan favourite known for his complex and morally gray nature, takes center stage in this intense romance set before the events of the trilogy. Rivers crafts a narrative filled with tension, danger, and passion as Tobias and Aria navigate their turbulent connection. Fans eager for more of Tobias's enigmatic charm can look forward to its release on January 31, 2025—marking a thrilling start to the new year in dark romance!
Expected publication: March 18, 2025
A heart-stopping small-town romance and the next book in the Sparrow Falls series from USA Today bestselling author Catherine Cowles. Full of emotional depth and unforgettable characters, Beautiful Exile promises to captivate readers with its blend of romance, suspense, and small-town charm.
Fearless by Lauren Roberts
Expected publication: April 8, 2025
The epic conclusion to the No. 1 Bestselling Romantasy Phenomenon that has taken the world by storm—OVER A MILLION COPIES SOLD. Paedyn Gray and Kai Azer return to the Kingdom of Ilya, where Paedyn must make a life-altering choice that will decide her fate—and the fate of everyone around her. In this ultimate battle of love and loyalty, who will come out victorious? Get ready for the sizzling finale!
Book 2 in the Wicked Games series
Expected publication: April 8, 2025
Genevieve Grimm seeks answers after her mother’s death and is drawn to Enchantra, a cursed palace where deadly games await. Inside, she meets Rowin Silver, who insists she can’t enter—but she finds a way in. Trapped in a deadly game with Rowin’s family, Genevieve must pretend to be in love with him to survive. As they grow closer, Genevieve struggles with her growing feelings for Rowin and the danger of trusting him. Enchantra is a dark romance packed with fake dating, forbidden desire, and deadly intrigue. Perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Carissa Broadbent.
Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen
Expected publication: April 8, 2025
Book 2 in the Forbidden Love series, but can be read as a standalone
Rhyland Coltridge has always been the bad boy, but he’s about to become a family man—if only in name. Dylan Casablancas is his best friend’s baby sister, a single mom, and a whole lot of baggage. When she moves into his building, their forced proximity leads to a wild deal: a fake engagement to scare off her ex and help Rhyland secure a business deal. But things get messy as the chemistry between them sizzles, and Rhyland finds himself tangled in a dangerous web of desire. Dylan insists Rhyland is out of her league, but he might just become her wildest dream. Will their arrangement lead to heartbreak, or something more?
Expected Publication: April 15, 2025
Book 1 in the Shatter Me: The New Republic series
Return to the thrilling Shatter Me universe in this exhilarating new series, set ten years after the fall of The Reestablishment. James Anderson, determined to succeed where his older brother Aaron Warner Anderson failed, infiltrates Ark Island—the last stronghold of the authoritarian regime. But he’s quickly thrown into a prison cell, where survival is anything but certain. Meanwhile, Rosabelle Wolff, a deadly assassin on Ark Island, follows her orders without question. When their paths cross, pulse-pounding action and impossible enemies-to-lovers romance ensue. In a world of constant surveillance and calculated moves, the question remains: who are they when no one is watching?
Expected Publication: April 15, 2025
The Rebel Blue Ranch Series concludes with Wild and Wrangled, a heartfelt second-chance romance from bestselling author Lyla Sage. After being left at the altar, Camille Ashwood’s fresh start in Meadowlark, Wyoming, puts her right next door to Dusty Tucker—her first love and the man she’s determined to avoid. As sparks reignite and old wounds resurface, Dusty and Cam must decide if their first love can truly be their last. Packed with small-town charm and emotional depth, this finale is a must-read for fans of the series.
Emily Henry is back with another captivating romance sure to sweep readers off their feet! Great Big Beautiful Life follows two rival writers, Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson, as they vie for the chance to tell the extraordinary life story of the enigmatic Margaret Ives. Set against the charming backdrop of Little Crescent Island, this story promises a delightful blend of wit, mystery, and slow-burn romance. With each writer granted only fragments of Margaret’s story, secrets unravel, sparks fly, and hearts collide in this unputdownable novel. Mark your calendars for April 22, 2025—this dazzling tale of competition and connection is destined to be a standout of the year!
The Prodigal Son by Sara Cate
Expected publication: April 24, 2025
The fourth book in the Goode Brothers series. Blurb coming soon… Stay tuned for more details on this highly anticipated addition to the series!
Enigma by RuNyx
Expected publication April 29, 2025
Prepare for an unforgettable ride in Enigma, a dark academia romance from New York Times bestselling author RuNyx, known for her captivating Gothikana series. Set in a world of secret societies, tangled rivalries, and forbidden desires, Enigma promises to deliver a breathtaking blend of suspense and sizzling sensuality. Sparks will fly as rivals become lovers, and dark secrets hidden in the shadows threaten to unravel everything. RuNyx's signature mix of intense chemistry, intricate plotting, and steamy romance takes center stage in this highly anticipated release. Enigma is set to be a must-read for fans of dark academia
Expected Publication: May 13, 2025
The third installment in the Lakefront Billionaires series, Love Arranged promises another swoon-worthy romance from Sunday Times and international bestselling author Lauren Asher. Fans can look forward to a captivating love story set against the luxurious backdrop of Lakefront, where passion, power, and high stakes collide. Don’t miss this highly anticipated addition to the must-read series!
From USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes Beautiful Venom, the first book in her highly anticipated Vipers Series. This dark hockey romance introduces readers to a glamorous, secret world filled with passion, danger, and intense chemistry. Set apart from her other books, Beautiful Venom is a standalone novel, meaning it can be enjoyed independently with no prior knowledge of the Rinaverse required. Fans of Kent’s unique blend of suspense, romance, and complex characters will be drawn into this seductive new series. While more details are coming soon, the expected release date is May 27, 2025, though it is subject to change. Keep an eye out for updates as this thrilling new world unfolds
From the author of the TikTok sensation Lights Out comes Caught Up, the gripping second book in the Into Darkness series. This fast-paced dark romance introduces readers to a morally grey male lead whose intense, often unsettling journey is sure to captivate fans of Allen’s unique storytelling. Known for crafting dark, complex narratives, Allen warns that some themes and scenes may be disturbing, so readers are encouraged to check the content warnings provided. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions when Caught Up is released on June 10, 2025, as Allen delves even deeper into the shadows of dark romance.
Expected publication: October 9, 2025
Book 2 in the Gods of the Game series
As 2025 quickly approaches, it's clear that the romance genre is set to thrill us with fresh, captivating stories and unforgettable characters. Whether you're looking for a heart-pounding romance or a steamy, edge-of-your-seat love story, these upcoming releases are sure to exceed expectations. Be sure to mark your calendars and get your pre-orders in, because these books are bound to be your next favourites. Which ones are you most excited to read? Let me know in the comments – and happy reading in 2025!
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