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10 Best Romance Books 2025 in the United States

#6
Quicksilve
#9
Phantasma
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Quicksilver: The Fae & Alchemy Series, Book 1

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,207
Sub-genre
Heat Level
Tone

Most important from
142212 reviews

Sub-genre
The relationship between the main characters is exactly what one expects in a fantasy enemies-to-lovers story; strong, independent female lead and a grumpy, overbearing male lead with top-tier banter and tension.
Heat Level
The book features a medium burn romance that pays off with some great, steamy scenes.
Tone
Fun and witty banter among characters adds to the enjoyment of the story.
Character Types
The book features likeable characters and truly villainous antagonists who are destined to be destroyed for their atrocities.
Plot Complexity
The interconnected background of fae, vampires, gods, and other elements can be a bit confusing but adds depth to the worldbuilding.

Quicksilver: The Fae & Alchemy Series, Book 1, is an engaging entry in the paranormal romance sub-genre. This audiobook intertwines elements of fae mythology and alchemy, appealing to readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy and romance.

The heat level appears to be moderate, making it suitable for audiences looking for romance that includes some passion but isn’t overly explicit. The tone of the book is immersive, allowing listeners to get lost in its magical world, which is a strong point for those who appreciate rich narrative experiences.

The characters are well-developed, mixing the allure of the fantastical with relatable human emotions, enhancing the connection readers can make with them. The plot complexity is sufficient to keep listeners intrigued without becoming overwhelming, making it accessible for those who might be new to fantasy-themed romance. However, with a listening length of over 20 hours, it may be a commitment for some, especially for those who prefer quicker reads or shorter audiobooks.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,207
Sub-genre
Heat Level
Tone

Most important from
142212 reviews

Sub-genre
The relationship between the main characters is exactly what one expects in a fantasy enemies-to-lovers story; strong, independent female lead and a grumpy, overbearing male lead with top-tier banter and tension.
Heat Level
The book features a medium burn romance that pays off with some great, steamy scenes.
Tone
Fun and witty banter among characters adds to the enjoyment of the story.
Character Types
The book features likeable characters and truly villainous antagonists who are destined to be destroyed for their atrocities.
Plot Complexity
The interconnected background of fae, vampires, gods, and other elements can be a bit confusing but adds depth to the worldbuilding.
#2

A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books) (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 9)

Rating
9.8
Sub-genre
Heat Level
Tone

Most important from
44637 reviews

Sub-genre
The series intertwines romance with a richly woven fantasy world, featuring its own magic system and mythologies.
Heat Level
The books balance romantic tension with action, and the heat level is genuine and realistic without being redundant.
Tone
The writing style and vivid detail create an immersive world, with Velaris being particularly dreamlike and captivating.
Character Types
The characters, especially Feyre and Rhysand, are deeply engaging, making the readers feel connected to their journeys.
Plot Complexity
The series is not just about romance; it includes themes like political intrigue, war, and personal growth, adding to the moral and ethical complexity.
Series vs. Standalone
The box set is a fantastic gift for fantasy romance enthusiasts, providing an engaging and immersive reading experience that will be cherished for years to come.

The 'A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set' is an enticing collection for fans of fantasy romance. Spanning five books, this series merges elements of romance with a richly woven fantasy world. It stands out in the romance genre due to its blend of adventure and emotional depth, appealing to readers who appreciate strong character development alongside romantic plots.

One of the strengths of this box set is its engaging plot complexity. It not only showcases romance but also intertwines themes of magic, political intrigue, and personal growth, which makes for a well-rounded reading experience. Additionally, the characters are diverse, evolving, and relatable, allowing readers to connect with their journeys.

The heat level varies throughout the series, making it suitable for a wide range of readers. It balances romantic tension with action, though some may find certain scenes more intense than others, which adds to its appeal for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their romance. However, potential drawbacks exist. The series can be lengthy, which may be daunting for those who prefer quicker reads. With almost 2900 pages in total, it might require a significant time investment. Also, as a series, new readers may feel pressured to read all books sequentially to grasp the full storyline, which might not suit everyone’s preference for standalone stories.

In terms of accessibility, the paperback format and dimensions are practical, making it easy to handle and store. This box set is a fantastic gift for fantasy romance enthusiasts looking to dive into an immersive world filled with adventure and love, but may not be the best fit for those seeking a short, uncomplicated read.

Rating
9.8
Sub-genre
Heat Level
Tone

Most important from
44637 reviews

Sub-genre
The series intertwines romance with a richly woven fantasy world, featuring its own magic system and mythologies.
Heat Level
The books balance romantic tension with action, and the heat level is genuine and realistic without being redundant.
Tone
The writing style and vivid detail create an immersive world, with Velaris being particularly dreamlike and captivating.
Character Types
The characters, especially Feyre and Rhysand, are deeply engaging, making the readers feel connected to their journeys.
Plot Complexity
The series is not just about romance; it includes themes like political intrigue, war, and personal growth, adding to the moral and ethical complexity.
Series vs. Standalone
The box set is a fantastic gift for fantasy romance enthusiasts, providing an engaging and immersive reading experience that will be cherished for years to come.
#3

The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy (Boxed Set): The Summer I Turned Pretty; It's Not Summer Without You; We'll Always Have Summer

Rating
9.6
Sub-genre
Heat Level
Tone

Most important from
12523 reviews

Sub-genre
Highly recommended for fans of young adult fiction and well-crafted stories.
Heat Level
It's so romantic and great to read.
Tone
Jenny Han's writing effortlessly captures the essence of summer romance, friendship, and personal growth.
Character Types
The characters feel like old friends by the time you reach the final page.
Plot Complexity
From the moment you dive into the pages, you'll find yourself transported to an idyllic beach town setting filled with sun, sand, and secrets.
Series vs. Standalone
The trilogy is an absolute gem for anyone seeking a captivating summer read.

The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han is a cherished boxed set that includes three books: 'The Summer I Turned Pretty,' 'It's Not Summer Without You,' and 'We'll Always Have Summer.' Aimed at young adults aged 12 and up, this series falls under the contemporary romance sub-genre with a coming-of-age twist. It features a warm, nostalgic tone and explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth over summer vacations. The heat level is mild, making it suitable for the target age group, with a focus on emotional rather than physical intimacy.

The primary characters are teenagers navigating complex relationships, which can be relatable for young readers. The plot complexity is moderate, providing an engaging but not overly intricate storyline that keeps readers invested throughout the series. As a boxed set, it offers the complete narrative arc, making it ideal for those who prefer a series over standalone books.

This set is also a good choice for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a blend of romance and life's challenges. However, the paperback format may show wear over time, particularly since these are used books in good condition. Additionally, those looking for high-intensity romance or intricate plots might find this series a bit on the lighter side. Suitable for middle grade to high school readers, this trilogy effectively captures the essence of summer and young love.

Rating
9.6
Sub-genre
Heat Level
Tone

Most important from
12523 reviews

Sub-genre
Highly recommended for fans of young adult fiction and well-crafted stories.
Heat Level
It's so romantic and great to read.
Tone
Jenny Han's writing effortlessly captures the essence of summer romance, friendship, and personal growth.
Character Types
The characters feel like old friends by the time you reach the final page.
Plot Complexity
From the moment you dive into the pages, you'll find yourself transported to an idyllic beach town setting filled with sun, sand, and secrets.
Series vs. Standalone
The trilogy is an absolute gem for anyone seeking a captivating summer read.

Buying Guide for the Best Romance Books

Choosing the right romance book can be a delightful journey. Romance novels come in a variety of sub-genres and styles, so it's important to consider what kind of love story you are looking for. Think about the type of romance that appeals to you, whether it's contemporary, historical, fantasy, or something else. Also, consider the tone of the book – do you prefer something light and humorous, or something more intense and dramatic? Here are some key aspects to consider when selecting a romance book that will be the perfect fit for you.
Sub-genreThe sub-genre of a romance book defines the setting and style of the love story. Common sub-genres include contemporary, historical, paranormal, fantasy, and romantic suspense. Contemporary romance is set in the modern day and often deals with real-life issues. Historical romance takes place in the past and can offer a sense of escapism. Paranormal and fantasy romances involve supernatural elements or magical worlds. Romantic suspense combines romance with a thrilling plot. Choose a sub-genre that aligns with your interests and the type of world you want to immerse yourself in.
Heat LevelThe heat level of a romance book refers to the explicitness of the romantic scenes. This can range from sweet (no explicit content) to steamy (detailed and explicit scenes). Sweet romances focus more on emotional connection and may include only kissing. Medium heat levels include some explicit scenes but are not overly graphic. Steamy romances have detailed and frequent intimate scenes. Consider your comfort level with explicit content and choose a heat level that matches your preferences.
ToneThe tone of a romance book can greatly affect your reading experience. Some books are light-hearted and humorous, providing a fun and uplifting read. Others are more serious and dramatic, dealing with intense emotions and conflicts. There are also dark romances that explore more complex and sometimes troubling themes. Think about what kind of emotional journey you want to go on and select a tone that suits your mood and preferences.
Character TypesThe characters in a romance book are central to the story. Consider what types of characters you enjoy reading about. Do you prefer strong, independent heroines or more traditional, nurturing ones? Are you drawn to brooding, mysterious heroes or charming, easy-going ones? Some readers enjoy stories with diverse characters or those that explore different cultures and backgrounds. Think about the character dynamics that appeal to you and look for books that feature those types of characters.
Plot ComplexityThe complexity of the plot can vary widely in romance books. Some have straightforward, simple plots that focus mainly on the relationship between the characters. Others have more intricate plots with multiple subplots and twists. If you enjoy a fast-paced, action-packed story, look for books with a more complex plot. If you prefer a more relaxed, character-driven story, choose a book with a simpler plot. Consider how much you want the plot to drive the story versus the character development.
Series vs. StandaloneRomance books can be part of a series or standalone novels. Series often follow different couples in each book but are set in the same world or involve interconnected characters. Standalone novels are self-contained stories with a clear beginning and end. If you enjoy getting to know a world and its characters over multiple books, a series might be a good choice. If you prefer a complete story in one book, look for standalone novels. Think about your reading habits and how much time you want to invest in a single story or world.

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