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The start of a new year always brings fresh opportunities for love, and January 2025 is no exception!
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for your next great romance read, and luckily, this month is filled with some seriously swoon-worthy releases.
From heartwarming love stories to emotional rollercoasters, there’s something for every romance lover.
So, get ready to add a few more titles to your TBR pile because these upcoming books are ones you won’t want to miss!
Upcoming January 2025 Romance Books
1. Better Than Revenge by Kasie West (January 1)
After her ex steals her podcast idea, Finley joins her high school football team with help from her ex’s rival, Theo.
As revenge plans turn into genuine connection, Finley must decide if love might be the better victory.
This swoony romance is about ambition, self-discovery, and taking chances.
2. Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao (January 1)
Gemma heads to Taiwan for a treasure hunt left by her late grandfather, teaming up with her ex, Xander, to navigate puzzles and secrets.
As they explore her heritage and family ties, sparks reignite between them.
This romantic, adventurous YA novel combines love, culture, and a vibrant Taipei setting.
January 7th 2025 New Romance Books to Read
3. Royal Heirs Academy by Lindsey Duga (January 7)
Four teens with vastly different backgrounds compete for the crown of Ashland at a prestigious boarding school.
Packed with scheming, alliances, enemies-to-lovers romance, and cutthroat competition, this story is a glamorous mix of American Royals and Elite with a modern twist.
4. The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan (January 7)
Anna wants to focus on finishing college, but star quarterback Drew has other plans.
Their undeniable attraction leads to a casual hookup with strict rules—no falling in love.
But Drew, smitten with Anna’s sharp wit and refusal to be impressed by his fame, is determined to prove they’re more than just a fling.
This sizzling romance is perfect for fans of love, football, and spicy drama.
5. The Lodge by Kayla Olson (January 7)
Alix, a ghostwriter for a former boy band member’s memoir, retreats to a luxurious Vermont lodge to focus.
But ski lessons with a charming instructor, Tyler, lead to unexpected romance.
As her work uncovers mysteries surrounding the band’s missing frontman, Alix must balance solving the mystery with falling for Tyler in this cozy rom-com.
6. Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams (January 7)
Two feuding second-grade teachers become reluctant allies when Emily accidentally exposes her secret romance writer side.
Jack, her longtime rival, offers to help steal back the incriminating manuscript, and their chemistry-fueled rivalry takes a steamy turn.
As sparks fly and secrets unravel, Emily and Jack must decide if their partnership is purely professional—or the beginning of something much more.
Must-Read January 14th 2025 New Romance Book Releases
7. Build a Girlfriend by Elba Luz (January 14)
Amelia, cursed with failed relationships, decides to investigate her dating mistakes through a comedic “Ex Retrospective.”
But when she reconnects with Leon, the ex who broke her heart, her plans for revenge and self-improvement grow complicated.
This debut rom-com is full of humor, growth, and second chances.
8. First Love Language by Stefany Valentine (January 14)
Catie Carlson, struggling with her identity as a Taiwanese American adoptee, trades Mandarin lessons for dating advice with her coworker Toby.
As they bond and uncover family secrets, Catie learns that love—romantic and familial—isn’t as simple as it seems.
A touching blend of humor, romance, and cultural exploration.
9. Leo Martino Steals Back His Heart by Eric Geron (January 14)
Leo, a hopeless romantic, has faced heartbreak after heartbreak.
Determined to change his luck, he makes a checklist to become the perfect boyfriend.
But as his new plan unfolds, Leo must confront what love truly means—and realize it might come from the most unexpected places.
10. Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon (January 14)
River, a chaotic teen who just quit everything, starts working at a struggling Korean cafe.
His clash with goth co-worker Sarang quickly becomes internet-famous, forcing them to fake romantic tension for the sake of the cafe’s survival.
As real feelings surface, River must decide where his loyalties and heart truly lie. A charming enemies-to-lovers YA rom-com.
11. What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange (January 14)
Kyle returns to his small-town home to care for his father, who has had a stroke, but is met with resentment for his sudden departure years ago.
Coaching a middle school hockey team helps Kyle rebuild bonds and reconsider his place in the community.
A heartfelt story about family, healing, and second chances.
12. The Favorites by Layne Fargo (January 14)
Kat and Heath, former Olympic ice-dancing partners and childhood sweethearts, are forced to confront their tumultuous past when a documentary stirs up their legacy.
Told through their perspectives, this compelling tale of ambition, obsession, and love draws inspiration from Wuthering Heights, set against the dramatic backdrop of elite figure skating.
13. Flirting with Disaster by Naina Kumar (January 14)
Meena returns to Texas to finalize her divorce from Nikhil, her estranged husband, but a hurricane traps them together in their old home.
As the storm rages outside, old feelings resurface, forcing Meena to choose between her steady, ambitious new boyfriend and the man who once made her feel truly alive.
This modern romance, full of chemistry and second chances, is a stormy reimagining of Sweet Home Alabama.
New Romance Books Coming Out on January 21st 2025
14. Only In Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde (January 21)
Ten years after a heartbreak, Melody is back in her small town, only to end up on a camping trip with Zac, her brother’s best friend and the guy who let her down.
Zac is determined to prove he’s changed and that they’re meant to be.
With her guard up and a lifetime of doubts, Melody must decide if Zac can turn their once-impossible romance into reality.
15. Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti (January 21)
Lydia, a radical wallflower heiress, travels to Scotland to propose a marriage of convenience to the Earl of Strathrannoch.
But when she learns her correspondence was with his brother, sparks—and complications—fly.
As they unravel family espionage and navigate unexpected attraction, the guarded earl must decide if Lydia is worth risking his heart for in this Regency rom-com full of charm and intrigue.
16. Love On Paper by Danielle Parker (January 21)
Macy Descanso and Caleb Bernard, both from rival literary families, team up at a prestigious writing retreat where romance is unexpectedly the theme.
Solving a mystery left by a legendary romance author, they find common ground and a potential for love—if they can move past their families’ bitter feud.
A sweet tale of writing, rivalry, and romance.
17. The Rival by Emma Lord (January 21)
Sadie thought she’d finally beaten her lifelong academic rival, Seb, by earning the only spot at her dream college.
But when he’s unexpectedly admitted, they’re thrown back into competition—this time for a prestigious school zine.
As they battle it out, their rivalry turns into something more, and they must work together to expose flaws in the school’s system.
This witty, heartfelt rom-com is a tale of rivals, romance, and finding common ground.
Most Anticipated New Romance Book Releases Coming Out January 28th 2025
18. Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam Young (January 28)
Married since they were teenagers, Sarah and Caleb find their once-perfect partnership unraveling.
A failed project and a decade of bottled-up grievances lead them to a couples’ wilderness retreat.
In the hilariously disastrous hike that follows, they must face their fears, rediscover their roots, and fight to mend their relationship before it’s too late.
19. It’s a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson (January 28)
When hockey player Charlie is suspended, she strikes a deal with figure skater Alexa—teach her to skate for a competition in exchange for college scout connections.
Sparks fly as their fiery personalities clash, but their budding partnership reveals a deeper connection.
This sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance is filled with tension, humor, and heart.
20. The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn (January 28)
Patch Simmons has one goal: get a boyfriend this year.
But in his small school, the odds aren’t great until two mysterious boys join drama club.
Armed with his mum’s outdated self-help books, a quirky best friend, and relentless confidence, Patch sets out to win one of their hearts.
This hilarious and heartfelt rom-com celebrates boldness, first loves, and finding your people.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet, steamy, or somewhere in between, these new releases are sure to make your heart skip a beat.
Which one has caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to know what you’re adding to your TBR pile!
For more romance book recommendations, check out our related posts, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to share which book you’re most excited to read!
