Romance Novels to Kickoff 2025 with a Bang

Need a little boost to kickstart your reading for 2025? Look no further! I compiled a list of 10 books to kickstart your year of reading. Whether you’re looking for a spicy, standalone novel or a romance-filled book series, this list has everything you need to make sure you go into 2025 with a running start. You’re certain to find a binge-worthy read below.

1. Forged in Blood – Sadie Kincaid
   • If you’re looking for a dark romance, look no further. Forged in Blood is the first book the Broken Bloodlines trilogy. This first book features a reverse harem with the main character, Ophelia. Ophelia is a literature-loving orphan who has caught the attention of the Ruby Dragon Society. This book is jam-packed with spice, a perfect pick to get you out of your reading-slump. The character chemistry is to die for, and the plot will keep you hooked until the end.
2. Fourth Wing – Rebecca Yarros
   • If you haven’t heard of The Empyrean series, you need to run to your nearest bookstore (or device) ASAP. Fourth Wing is the first book in this epic series, followed by Iron Flame. The third book, Onyx Storm, is slated for release on January 21st, 2025. The action and suspense in this book will keep you on the edge the entire way through. The romance is a slow-burn that is totally swoon-worthy. The FMC, Violet, is my dream heroine. She’s at an obvious disadvantage in her surroundings, but she uses her wit and intelligence to surpass all expectations. Xaden is exactly what I think of when I hear the words “tall, dark, and handsome”. He’s broody in all the right ways, yet so dynamic in a way that makes him much more than just the love interest.
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
   • ACOTAR has taken the world by storm, but I know there are still a few doubters (I was one of them!). I heard so many mixed reviews about this book series that I put off reading until December of 2024! The sixth installment of this series is slated for release in late 2025 or early 2026, so now is the perfect time to start the series. ACOTAR features the main characters Feyre and Tamlin, set in a world where fae and humans live separately. The romance is a suspenseful slow-burn, and the plot is entrancing from beginning to end. Both main characters are racing against the clock in this thrilling first book. If you love this series, check out the other series by Sarah J. Maas.
4. The Night Circus – Erin Morganstern
   • Take a journey back to 2011 with this groundbreaking book. This is one of the books that popularized the romantasy genre, but it hasn’t received the recognition I think it deserves. The novel features the story of two magicians who are in a battle of wills. They are competing against one another in an intense contest of magical abilities. During the course of the competition, the two magicians fall in love, complicating things even more. The romance between the characters is enthralling and the setting is captivating. This book will surely become one of your favorites with the lasting impression it leaves on its readers.
5. Praise – Sarah Cate
   • Praise is the first installation of the Salacious Players’ Club. This spicy romance is emotionally fueled and complex as the characters take a deep dive into the world of BDSM. For the main character, Charlotte, this becomes a transformative emersion. This story is full of spice and features an age-gap relationship and the art of praise. The characters are all well-developed and complex, and the writing will keep you on the edge the entire time.
6. The Discreet Series – Willow Winters
   • Not sure exactly what you’re looking for? Don’t worry. The Discreet Series by Willow Winters has everything. Literally, everything. This series includes 59 books that are easy to read, full of spice, and features just about any trope you’re looking for. You can read them in order as a series or as standalones, and there is a directory to the different worlds on Willow Winters’s website. Tropes include anything from motorcycle club to office romance, fated mates to fake relationships, and kidnapping to second chance. These books often feature strong MMCs and equally as strong FMCs in their own ways. The romances are always electric,
7. Swordheart – T. Kingfisher
   • This romantasy novel is lighthearted, witty, and romantic in all the best ways with a healthy dose of magic to go along with it. The main protagonist, Halla, is a breath of fresh air when it comes to FMCs. She’s smart and sarcastic. In world that suddenly features magic she could never use, Halla relies on her own abilities to survive. The MMC, Sarkis, is as grumpy as anyone would be after being trapped in a sword for centuries. But he’s as honorable as ever, and the relationship the two main characters develop is so satisfying to read. Both the fantasy and romance elements intertwine beautifully, leaving the reader impressed for long after they close the book.
8. Court of Blood and Bindings – Lisette Marshall
   • Court of Blood and Bindings is the first installment of the Fae Isles series by Lisette Marshall. This book is perfect for readers who love Sarah J. Maas. This book series features a FMC, Emelin, who gets caught using forbidden magic. Instead of being killed, the MMC, who is called The Silent Death, spares her for a mission of his own. If she agrees to help, their entire world could be saved. But after being taught her entire life to run far from beings exactly like The Silent Death, she isn’t sure she can trust herself. This steamy novel focuses heavily on character development and plot, so it’s a great read after a slump.
9. Slave to Sensation – Nalini Singh
   • In this fantasy world, emotions are forbidden and punished when discovered, going as far as to purge the beholder of their own personality to get rid of the undesirable emotions. This world also is home to Changelings, and the MMC seeks out the very emotions that are forbidden. The plot features a conflict between the two races. When the FMC, Sascha, and MMC, Lucas, meet, they realize they the other is their ticket to victory. This story is compelling and passionate and is sure to bring you out of whatever reading slump you may be facing.
10. People We Meet on Vacation – Emily Henry
    • If you’re looking for a light-hearted, easy read, look no further than People We Meet on Vacation. The true palate cleanser, People We Meet on Vacation features a great balance of romance and humor in an enemies-to-lovers plot. The characters are deeply complex, and the story is so relatable. The emotional depths will have you laughing and crying. You’ll be hooked from the beginning and fly right through this book.

Did you find a binge-worthy book on this list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!