Best Modern Romance Books April 2025

What You Wish For

Sam Casey loved her job as a school librarian, but everything changed when Duncan Carpenter became the new principal. Once her teenage crush, Duncan was now a different man—rigid and joyless. As the school atmosphere darkens, Sam realizes she must fight for the heart of her beloved workplace. Amidst personal struggles and unexpected alliances, she rediscovers her own capacity for joy and the power of choosing happiness. A heartwarming tale of resilience, second chances, and finding light in the darkest times.

Things You Save in a Fire

Cassie Hanwell’s life as a firefighter in Austin is upended when she’s forced to transfer to a small-town Massachusetts department. Struggling to fit in with an all-male crew and a past that haunts her, Cassie finds unexpected solace in rookie firefighter Owen Callaghan. As she navigates old wounds and new challenges, Cassie learns that sometimes the things we try hardest to protect are the very things that save us in the end. A heartwarming tale of courage, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.

How to Walk Away

Margaret Jacobsen’s life was on track: a promising career, a devoted fiancé, and a bright future. But in one tragic moment, everything changes. Faced with a devastating injury, she must learn to navigate a new reality. As Margaret grapples with loss and pain, unexpected connections emerge, challenging her to redefine happiness. With humor and heart, this poignant tale explores resilience, love, and the courage to embrace life’s detours. Center’s vivid characters and raw emotions make this an unforgettable journey of healing and hope.

A Handful of Heaven

Sarah never expected to find solace in the rugged Alaskan wilderness, but after her husband’s death, it became her refuge. Tending to her small bookshop in a quaint coastal town, she slowly rebuilds her life. When a mysterious stranger arrives, seeking shelter from his own past, Sarah’s world tilts on its axis. As they navigate the harsh beauty of the Last Frontier together, they discover that sometimes, love can bloom in the most unexpected places, healing even the deepest wounds.

Comfort & Joy

Nestled in the cozy pages of “Comfort & Joy,” Kristin Hannah weaves a heartwarming tale of second chances and unexpected love. Joy Candellaro, reeling from a painful divorce, impulsively boards a charter flight that crashes in the Pacific Northwest. Miraculously surviving, she finds herself in a small town where she meets Daniel O’Shea and his young son. As Joy helps them heal from their own loss, she discovers the true meaning of family and the magic of Christmas. Hannah’s touching prose and relatable characters make this a perfect fireside read for chilly winter nights.

Sweet Disaster

Olivia never expected her life to unravel so spectacularly. One moment, she’s planning her dream wedding; the next, she’s nursing a broken heart in her childhood bedroom. But when a freak accident lands her back in her hometown’s quirky bakery, she finds unexpected solace in sugar and flour. As she kneads dough and frosts cupcakes, Olivia rediscovers parts of herself she’d long forgotten. And then there’s Jack, the infuriatingly charming firefighter next door, who seems determined to add some spice to her carefully measured life. Maybe disaster isn’t so bad after all.

Beautiful Oblivion

Cami Camlin’s life is a whirlwind of work and family obligations, leaving little room for romance. But when she meets the charming and enigmatic Trenton Maddox, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel. As their connection deepens, Cami finds herself torn between her growing feelings and the secrets of her past. With each stolen moment, she discovers that love can be both beautiful and dangerous, forcing her to confront the truths she’s long buried. Will Cami risk it all for a chance at happiness, or will her fears keep her trapped in beautiful oblivion?

Beautiful Disaster

Abby Abernathy is determined to leave her dark past behind and reinvent herself at college. But her carefully crafted new image is threatened when she meets Travis Maddox, a tattooed bad boy with a reputation for underground fighting. Despite her best efforts to resist, Abby finds herself drawn into Travis’s world of passion and danger. As their relationship intensifies, she must confront her own demons and decide if love is worth the risk of losing everything she’s worked so hard to build.

The Kiss Quotient

Stella Lane, a brilliant but socially awkward mathematician, decides to tackle her lack of romantic experience head-on. She hires Michael Phan, a charming escort, to teach her the ins and outs of intimacy. As their lessons progress, Stella finds herself drawn to Michael’s warmth and understanding. But can their arrangement evolve into something real? This heartwarming tale explores love, self-discovery, and the beauty of embracing one’s uniqueness. Hoang’s debut novel is a refreshing take on romance, filled with humor, tenderness, and unexpected connections.

The Bride Test

Khai Diep’s autism makes romance challenging, but his meddling mother won’t give up. She travels to Vietnam to find him a bride, returning with Esme Tran, a mixed-race girl from the slums of Ho Chi Minh City. Esme seizes this chance for a better life, determined to win Khai’s heart. As they navigate cultural differences and personal struggles, unexpected sparks fly. But can Esme break through Khai’s emotional barriers? A touching tale of love, family, and self-discovery that will leave you rooting for this unlikely pair.