Isabelle Popp has written all sorts of things, ranging from astrophysics research articles and math tests to crossword puzzles and poetry. These days she's writing romance. When she's not reading or writing, she's probably knitting or scouring used book stores for vintage gothic romance paperbacks. Originally from New York, she's as surprised as anyone that she lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
Isabelle Popp has written all sorts of things, ranging from astrophysics research articles and math tests to crossword puzzles and poetry. These days she's writing romance. When she's not reading or writing, she's probably knitting or scouring used book stores for vintage gothic romance paperbacks. Originally from New York, she's as surprised as anyone that she lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
Let’s make sure we give some extra attention to December romance releases! Books that come out at the end of the year get short shrift in my opinion, because all of the hubbub around best-of lists eclipses new releases. And for romance readers in particular, so many people in full-on holiday mode are making lots of noise about that. But new romances are coming out every single week of the year. None of these new romances for December are holiday romances, but it’s the perfect time to cuddle up with a new book nonetheless.
Lots of us have extra reading time in December. For many people, work slows down. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, early sunsets encourage hunkering down with a book. And some of us are reading while we hide from family functions, not that I know anything about that. As you’re trying to tie up your end-of-the-year reading goals, maybe one of these new books will catch your eye. I know it happened to me as I was doing this research! Whether you’re into contemporary romance, historical romance, or fantasy romance, I’ve got suggestions for you. As the solstice approaches, celebrate the longest (or shortest!) night of the year with a new romance.
Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot by Alexis Hall
Alexis Hall is a wildly prolific author, and this latest book is the third installment in a series inspired by The Great British Bake Off. This story follows the titular Audrey, who exchanged a high-pressure life for a quieter one, and then applied to a baking reality show anyway. While there, her passions as a journalist are reignited. Her romantic passions ignite as well when a grumpy show producer has her contemplating a forbidden relationship.
Seeing Other People by Emily Wibberley
I simply adore the boom we’re seeing in romances featuring ghosts. And I say ghost romances are perfect for December, when there is a grand tradition of winter ghost stories. This story pairs two people, Morgan and Zach, who are both haunted. Morgan is haunted by a guy she went out with once, Zach by his late fiancée. As the two try to figure out how to help their ghosts pass on, they discover a connection growing between them.
Sparks Fly by Zakiya N. Jamal
Who’s looking for romances that are just as sweet as they are sexy? Here you go! Stella is a “late bloomer” who gets invited to a sex club. She says, hey, why not? This might be her chance to get the experience she is lacking. And then, as the title suggests, sparks fly with a stranger named Max. Naturally, Max is the new guy at work the next day. This delightful bi4bi romance also explores the effects of integrating AI into workplaces.
In a Second by Kate Canterbary
Kate Canterbary’s books are always a treat! And this one, the fourth in the Friendship, Rhode Island series, is pure catnip. Jude asked Audrey to run away with him on her wedding day, and she didn’t do it. Now Audrey is divorced, and she runs into Jude again. For romance reasons, he needs her to be his fake fiancée. I’m often a little cautious of fake engagement plots, but the history between these two characters is simply too delicious to pass up.
Champagne Taste on a Bad Boy Budget by Zuri Day
If you like a culinary romance, look no further. Jamilah’s restaurant is floundering, and her best shot at saving the business is hiring Rashad, who is culinarily skilled but also fresh out of prison. These two come from wildly different worlds and clash over everything. So you know they are going to make MAGIC, both in the kitchen and um, elsewhere. If you love a good redemption story, this is the one to pick up. (Disclosure: Zuri Day and I share a publisher)
In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams
Sarah Adams’ books are so popular because she is giving readers what they want. This book, the fourth in the When in Rome series, is a brother’s best friend romance. Madison never planned to return to Rome, Kentucky, but a dream job at a new farm-to-table restaurant has opened up. The catch: the owner is James, her brother’s best friend. You know that James has been pining for Madison all these years, and he is not going to miss his chance at love.
The Love Audit by Lucy Eden
The cover of this book makes it seem like a very office-centric story, but that’s a little misleading. Jasmine and Derek are former childhood friends forced to work together to revitalize a small town in Florida. Because this is a romance novel, they pretend to be on a honeymoon there, and then they have to keep the lie rolling. If you like romances with a deep sense of place, you will be fascinated by how the history of the fictional Miller’s Cove, Florida is woven into the story.
A Most Worthy Husband by Faye Delacour
I love historical romances in which female characters set out to ruin themselves so they don’t have to get married! Hannah is a happy spinster, helping her sister-in-law run a gambling club. She offers a tidy sum to a dealer at the club for a kiss, thinking her parents would never make her go through with a marriage to him. But she thinks wrong, and Silas turns out to be the supportive man she never dreamed could exist.
How to Grieve Like a Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves
If you’re looking for a romance unlike anything you’ve read before, this might be it. Lizzie Wells is an English professor grieving her husband in true Victorian fashion, widow’s weeds and all. She takes a trip to London in an effort to figure out what life holds in store for her. Meanwhile, she’s plagued by an almost-kiss with Henry, her late husband’s best friend. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of both grief and romance.
The White Cat’s Divine Scratching Post by Lu Ye Qian He
Are you into the recent boom of queer fantasy romances in translation? They always have the best premises. Here, Mo Tianliao was killed just before he completed creating a world-destroying weapon. In his dying breath, he saved his beloved white kitten. Four hundred years later, Mo Tianliao is starting life over as a tree. His master on his new and righteous path is Qingtong, whose mannerisms bear a striking resemblance to a beloved cat. If you love that “I’ll find you in every lifetime” idea, pick this one up.
With that, 2025 romances are in the books! I hope you had a great reading year, and we will see you soon with a brand new crop of 2026 books to love. In the meantime, catch up on our picks for the best romance books of 2025.
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