Best Romance Novels of the Last 5 Years
Romance novels have always captured the hearts of readers with tales of passion, connection, and emotional growth. Over the last five years, authors across genres have reshaped love stories with bold themes, inclusive characters, and contemporary settings. From slow burns to enemies-to-lovers, these books have given romance readers unforgettable moments and deeply satisfying endings.
If you love to swoon, cry, and smile your way through a beautifully written love story, this list of the best romance novels from 2020 to 2025 will guide you to your next great read. Each book stands out for its compelling characters, emotional impact, and unique storytelling.
1. “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood (2021)
Ali Hazelwood burst onto the romance scene with this delightful academic rom-com. She crafted a witty, STEM-centric love story that follows Olive Smith, a PhD student, who kisses a random man to convince her best friend she’s dating someone. That random man turns out to be Dr. Adam Carlsen, a young professor with a reputation for being cold and arrogant.
The fake-dating trope takes center stage here, but Hazelwood gives it heart and humor. Readers fall for Olive’s awkward charm and Adam’s slow unthawing. The dialogue crackles, the setting feels fresh, and the chemistry feels authentic.
Why it stands out: Smart, funny, and nerdy—perfect for rom-com lovers and STEM girls.
2. “Beach Read” by Emily Henry (2020)
Emily Henry redefined romantic fiction with her signature blend of emotional complexity and clever banter. In Beach Read, she introduces January, a romance writer who suffers writer’s block after a personal tragedy. She moves into her late father’s beach house and reconnects with Gus, a literary fiction author and her college rival.
They challenge each other to write in each other’s genres. Along the way, they explore grief, healing, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. Henry balances laughs with emotional depth, making readers think and feel in equal measure.
Why it stands out: Emotional storytelling meets hilarious banter and deep character development.
3. “You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty” by Akwaeke Emezi (2022)
Akwaeke Emezi, known for literary fiction, turned to romance with this bold, sensual story about love after loss. Feyi, an artist recovering from her partner’s tragic death, decides to live again—by dating, taking risks, and exploring new desires.
Emezi doesn’t write a traditional romance. Instead, they explore the messy, unexpected journey toward love. Feyi’s relationships challenge her identity and push her toward a surprising but deeply satisfying romantic connection. The writing feels lush, raw, and emotionally charged.
Why it stands out: Visceral prose, queer love, and fearless storytelling set this romance apart.
4. “Seven Days in June” by Tia Williams (2021)
Tia Williams wrote a romance that speaks to pain, passion, and second chances. Seven Days in June tells the story of Eva Mercy and Shane Hall—two writers who shared a brief, intense relationship as teens. They reconnect years later during a literary event, with their shared past simmering just below the surface.
Williams weaves trauma, addiction, motherhood, and chronic pain into a love story that feels brutally honest and deeply tender. The characters feel lived-in and complex. Williams celebrates Black love while tackling tough emotional terrain.
Why it stands out: Second-chance romance meets emotional healing and literary brilliance.
5. “Happy Place” by Emily Henry (2023)
Emily Henry returned to charm readers with Happy Place, a romance set against a nostalgic backdrop of shared vacations and unresolved feelings. Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago, but they haven’t told their friends. When they reunite at their annual group getaway, they must pretend to still be a couple.
Henry uses forced proximity and emotional vulnerability to perfection. She dives into what makes a relationship work—and why it sometimes doesn’t. The result? A beautiful exploration of love, friendship, and change.
Why it stands out: Poignant writing, layered emotions, and a cozy setting create pure magic.
6. “Before I Let Go” by Kennedy Ryan (2022)
Kennedy Ryan doesn’t shy away from intense emotional journeys. In Before I Let Go, she tells the story of Yasmen and Josiah Wade, a divorced couple who share a business and two children. As they navigate co-parenting, grief, and unhealed wounds, sparks of their old love begin to return.
Ryan writes with grace and depth. She tackles topics like mental health, therapy, and self-forgiveness, creating characters who feel real and flawed. The romance blooms not in spite of the struggle but because of the healing.
Why it stands out: Powerful, mature love story that centers emotional growth and Black joy.
7. “Funny You Should Ask” by Elissa Sussman (2022)
This clever novel jumps between timelines to tell the story of Chani Horowitz, a journalist, and Gabe Parker, a Hollywood heartthrob. Ten years ago, Chani wrote a viral profile on Gabe that changed her life. A decade later, they meet again for a follow-up interview—and old feelings resurface.
Sussman blends pop culture, media critique, and slow-burn romance into an addictive story. The structure keeps readers hooked, and the emotional payoff feels earned.
Why it stands out: Media-meets-romance premise with smart writing and star-crossed love.
8. “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry (2022)
Emily Henry’s third entry on this list proves her dominance in modern romance. Book Lovers centers on Nora, a literary agent, and Charlie, a grumpy editor. When they end up in the same small town for the summer, sparks fly.
Henry subverts small-town romance tropes and gives readers a love story rooted in mutual respect and emotional depth. Nora stands out as a sharp, independent woman who refuses to shrink herself. Charlie supports her without trying to “fix” her.
Why it stands out: Smart, feminist romance that delivers both heart and humor.
9. “Romantic Comedy” by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023)
Curtis Sittenfeld brings her literary chops to romantic fiction with this witty, observant novel. Sally, a sketch writer on a late-night comedy show, never expects to fall for a pop star. But when Noah Brewster, a musical guest, shows surprising depth, Sally starts rethinking her rules about love and attraction.
Sittenfeld explores gender dynamics, fame, and vulnerability with razor-sharp insight. The story celebrates love without losing its realism.
Why it stands out: Smart, layered romance that feels contemporary and insightful.
10. “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace (2022)
This spicy college sports romance follows Anastasia, a competitive figure skater, and Nate, the captain of the hockey team. When a scheduling mix-up forces the two teams to share the same rink, the two athletes butt heads—until sparks start to fly.
Grace gives readers an addictive combination of witty banter, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry. The book tackles mental health and performance pressure, adding layers to a familiar setup.
Why it stands out: Sexy, sweet, and surprisingly thoughtful—perfect for New Adult romance fans.
Conclusion: Love Stories That Last
Over the last five years, romance novels have evolved. Authors have embraced bold themes, diverse voices, and innovative structures. These books prove that love stories can carry emotional weight, cultural insight, and literary depth—without losing their swoon factor.
Whether you crave fake dating, second chances, or stories about healing, these novels deliver. They remind readers that love grows in unexpected places and that the best romances start with self-discovery.
Pick up any book from this list, and you’ll enter a world of longing, laughter, and unforgettable connection. Love, after all, never goes out of style.
