While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a year, there’s always something to look forward to. Regardless of your feelings, 2025 is coming to a close, and we’re all planning for what’s next.

If you’re a reader, you’re likely planning some of your reading for 2026. Before you get too deep into it, there are some great books you might have missed out on in 2025.

As a mostly contemporary romance reader, these are all going to be contemporary romance reads. No matter if you’re looking to try out a new author or just want something fresh to start the year with, you’re in luck with this list.

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Starting off the list is Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan. Published in January 2025, this is one I read in April and is still such a fun one. Not only is it a debut, but you can grab this one on Kindle Unlimited when this post is published. This story follows Juliana and Ben, who work together and can’t seem to get along, but things get juicier when their daughters become best friends. There is a little drama, but it’s such a great read that you won’t be able to put it down.

Another January 2025 debut release making my list is For One Night Only by Jessica James. If you’re in the mood for a rockstar romance, then you’re in for a treat with this one. For One Night Only follows Valerie, who wants to reunite with her former band, the Glitter Bats, but Caleb is standing in the way. These two have history, and the story focuses on that, along with the band’s reunion now. If you love angst, you’ll enjoy this one. Plus, you’ll have time to get caught up before For Our Next Song comes out on January 13th, 2026.

Skipping ahead to August, I had to feature another rockstar romance with If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden. If you’re a Hozier fan, you’re going to adore this one. We’re following Clemetine, who ends up becoming a backup singer for Halloran, an Irish rockstar. You can find my full review on my blog, but it’s such a dreamy read.

If you’re craving a sports romance, then you need to add Relationship Goals by Brittany Kelley to your TBR. Luke Wolfe is a bad-boy soccer player who can’t seem to get what he wants, and to try to heal his reputation, he decides to fake-date Abigail Hunt, a sweet Hollywood actress. If you’re craving a true rom-com, then this is the one. Plus, if you enjoy it, Kelley has an extensive backlist to explore.

For those wanting a sapphic read, I have to recommend Love in Focus by Lyla Lee. Lee has written in a variety of different age ranges and genres, but Love in Focus was my favorite of hers that I read this year. We’re following Celeste and Gemma, former exes who have to work together on a queer love project, which results in them reconsidering their own romance. If you’re looking for some underrated queer romance, don’t skip Love in Focus.

Last but not least is The Marriage Narrative by Claire Kann. I won’t go into too much detail as I’ve reviewed this one. However, it was just released in November and doesn’t even have 250 ratings on Goodreads. It deserves more because it’s such a great modern take on a marriage of convenience. You can find my review here if you want to know more.