As you can see I don’t have a lot of contemporary or historical on my list this year– all I can say is that I was caught up in fantasy and fantasy romance. I kind of needed a step away from the real world in 2025.
Archangel’s Ascension (Guild Hunter #17) by Nalini Singh-
My most anticipated book of the year. It did not disappoint. (I’ve read the last book in the series; Archangel’s Eternity and YOU NEED TO PUT IT ON YOUR TBR).
“This is a love letter of sorts to the Guild Hunter readers who have been aching to see Sparkle and Bluebell’s romance play-out on page but were also worried about the break-up of the Seven and how the world would change once Illium ascended.”
Read the whole review here.
In a Rush by Kate Canterbary-
The only contemporary on my favorite shelf this year, with an honorable mention of the third book in the series In a Second, one friends to lovers and the other is second chance and they are MUST reads. Kate Canterbary does yearning like no other.
“It’s always a good day when a new Kate Canterbary romance hits your Kindle. Stepping back into the world of Friendship, RI? Even better. This is a friends to lovers, he fell first, marriage of convenience, fake marriage romance, and while that seems like a lot of tropes- believe me, it works.”
Read the full review here.
Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon-
I picked this book of because of the cover– and was immediately drawn into the story. So romantic.
“This is a classic grumpy/sunshine storyline and was executed so well it reminded me of why I love this trope so much. The banter and obvious chemistry between the two main characters was sublime. I was deeply invested in this couple’s journey and building relationship.”
See full review here.
When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley–
Yes, it was the cover again. It’s amazing how many fabulous books I find simply because of great cover art.
“All in all, this is an achingly lovely romance. I love the setting, characters, and love story. The author’s prose is divine, and their illustrations scattered throughout are enchanting. I believe this is also a debut, which makes it that much more remarkable. Highly recommend.”
See full review here.
The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig-
I didn’t review this one for Smexy, but it’s been on my TBR since it first popped up on Goodreads. After devouring The Shepard King duology, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on anything written by this author. This book worked for me in almost every way. Knights and Diviners, visions and omens, yes, yes, yes.
All Superhero’s Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens-
As a HUGE fan of this author’s science fiction romance, I jumped on her paranormal/superhero bandwagon as soon as this book’s title and blurb were released. I’m so happy that she is getting the recognition she deserves. Such a great storyteller.
“All Superheroes Need PR is a fun, sexy read featuring only a good guy for you, fake dating, workplace romance, and the kill her and die tropes. There is also a lovable, loyal diverse friend group, a wonderful adoptive family, a FMC with PTSD and childhood trauma, and a MMC who is a bit mysterious.”
See my full review here.
Princess of Blood by Sarah Hawley-
I could not stop reading. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire 500+ pages. The first book was good, the second was riveting. I cannot WAIT to find out what happens in the next installment after that cliffhanger. ALSO, I AM A KALLEN FANGIRL NOW.
“Kenna is coming into her own and dealing with some deep challenges. Her romance with one man began and ended in the first book. And a new romance has taken its place. Someone who I dare say I was rooting for in Servant of Earth. Kallen, the mysterious, secretive, dangerous Kallen, is who I was hoping would step in to help Kenna. Their relationship is passionate and full of longing, and I LOVED IT.”
Read my full review here.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna-
This author writes the coziest, sweetest romances.
“This is probably the most charming, tender, and sweet romance I’ve read this year. It was like a warm hug just when I needed it. The dialogue was full of wit and humor. The characters wonderfully supportive, accepting and loving. Highly recommend.”
See my full review here.
The Second Death of Locked by V.L. Bovalino-
My reading tastes in 2025 can be summed up with– awesome covers, badass FMCs (extra points for lady knights), and MMCs who would literally SACRIFICE THEMSELVES for their lovers. That’s it. That’s all I’m asking for.
“This book is achingly romantic, full of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and trust. It’s also heavy with brutal scenes of war and death. The worldbuilding is stunning and the magic system and its origin original. I felt like I was transported back to a medieval time that was sprinkled with power and magic. This author intricately builds her cast of characters, and I began to deeply care about each person who traveled the dangerous path and fought alongside our main characters. There is also an exploration of grief, as Grey remembers what happened the night Locke fell. The ending offers both closure, but also hints at what is to come later in the trilogy.”
Read my full review here.
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson-
I want you to know that I only picked this book up because I had heard buzz about it on social media and it was on sale. And I don’t even know what prompted me to open it right away since my TBR is full of books I’ve bought on sale and haven’t gotten to yet. Yes, yes, I’m a hoarder of books. I’m glad I did, because it’s one of my favorite fantasies this year. The world-building isn’t too complicated or heavy, the heroine is absolutely delightful, and the secondary cast of characters are well drawn. I absolutely MUST get my hands on the next book in the series asap to see what happens next.
All of Us Murderers by K.J. Charles-
Gothic romance by K.J. Charles? Yes, please. And now I definitely want more adventures with this couple.
“I just never know what I’m going to get when opening a KJ Charles book. This is a perfect spooky October read. The backdrop of a spooky, gothic mansion shrouded in mist with a history of tragic deaths and hauntings hooked me almost immediately. As with any book by this author, there are vibrant characters, and Zeb is the perfect man to navigate through the rocky family relationships and misunderstandings with a past lover, with humor and intellect. While I don’t think the romance is the main focus of the story, the mystery takes centerstage, there are sexy times and a happily ever after.”
Read my full review here.
The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews
What would a favorites list be without Ilona Andrews? This was a serial on their website and I made the executive decision to wait until it was finished to read. It took tremendous willpower, but I’m glad I did.
Here’s a quote from the blurb:
We are at war. The interdimensional invasion brought us unimaginable suffering, but it also awoke talents slumbering deep within us, a means to repel and destroy our enemy. Every day new gates open, leading to breaches filled with monsters and valuable resources. If you are a Talent, your country needs you. The world needs you. Be the hero you were born to be.“
I think you will fall in love with the heroine, and her unlikely sidekick. I know I have my fingers crossed that this author duo will continue to write in this world. I need more books with Ada.
Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier
And yet another book I snatched up for the cover. I’ve read two books this year with magic and pirates. This one worked for me. Very much looking forward to the second book in the duology. And can I just mention I love this move to duologies instead of long running series?
“Saoirse is battered and broken, afraid, and constantly second guesses herself and her worth. She’s grown up alone and reviled by her family. She isn’t bloodthirsty and doesn’t outwardly show physical strength, but her magic and will are strong. Faolan is the stuff romantic heroes are made of. Flashy, flirty, handsome, he often masks his true feelings with jokes and laughter. He and Saoirse spend most of the book arguing and sniping at each other, all the while falling deeply in love. There is a tenderness between them that I really enjoyed.”
See my full review here.
I love best of the year lists – thanks for posting this.
I think my favorites of the books I read this year were “Bride” and “Mate” by Ali Hazelwood and “The Unlovely Bride” and “Her Baseborn Bridegroom” by Alice Coldbreath.
I’ve read Bride and Mate is sitting on my Kindle. AND I LOVE ALICE COLDBREATH. Her prizefighter books are some of my favorites.
A definite theme developed in my favorite books this year: several of them were second-chance/dual-timeline m/m hockey romances.
Favorite books published in 2025:
GOALTENDER INTERFERENCE by Ari Baran: A second-chance romance between two professional hockey players, one recently retired, the other still playing, who broke up a decade ago. A somber book that addresses serious issues—including mental-health struggles and the physical toll of playing professional sports—but so well-written and nuanced that everything feels organic and true rather than bleak.
THE SHOTS YOU TAKE by Rachel Reid: A second-chance romance that is also about facing your past, the choices you made, the consequences of those choices, of expressing true remorse and of seeking forgiveness, of finding your way back to love while still being true to yourself, all in a smoothly-written package that moves seamlessly between present and past.
YOU GIVE ME THAT FEELING by Julie Kriss: Fake relationship done just right as a rom-com queen and a bad-boy rocker team up to change their public images. Brilliantly captures the layers of emotions morphing from “fake” to “real” as genuine love replaces the ersatz version.
THE LAST GUY ON EARTH by Sarina Bowen. The rare dual-timeline book that makes it clear why the MCs (once hockey teammates, now a player & coach) didn’t make it the first time around and how much it’s going to take to keep them together the second time. Top-notch writing, pining, angst, emotional growth, hot sexy-times, and a satisfying & organic HEA.
Favorite books published in a prior year:
THE LOVE OF MY AFTERLIFE by Kristy Greenwood (published in 2024): A woman meets her soulmate in the afterlife. They are returned to Earth and she has ten days to find him again. By turns heart-rendingly sad, laugh-out-loud hilarious, poignantly tender, and thought-provoking, LOVE OF MY AFTERLIFE is also a thoroughly English novel, completely grounded in the attitudes and geography of London; I don’t think you could successfully transpose the story to another milieu.
WE WERE NEVER LOVERS by Sasha Avice (published in 2024): Not only is this brilliantly-written, uber-angsty story one of the best explorations of the amnesia trope I’ve read since N.R. Walker’s Missing Pieces trilogy, but it also squarely addresses issues of racism and homophobia in professional sports (in this case, Australian Football) without being heavy-handed or detracting from the romance.
I see a bunch of books on your list that are on my TBR.
I enjoyed reading your list, Angela. I happened to read The Inheritance yesterday and very much enjoyed it. (Most of the Ilona Andrews books I read I read once and am done; this one I can easily see rereading.) I also liked The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson from your list.
Have you read the newest Anne Bishop book, Turns of Fate? That’s another recent read that I very much enjoyed.
Yes! I really enjoyed this new world of Anne Bishop’s. Maybe because it feels similar to The Other series.