Best Romance Books January 2025

The Bodyguard

Falling for your client is never a good idea, especially when you’re their bodyguard. Hannah Brooks may look like a kindergarten teacher, but she’s actually an Executive Protection Agent. When movie star Jack Stapleton needs protection from a stalker, Hannah’s assigned to the job. Posing as Jack’s girlfriend at his family’s Texas ranch, Hannah finds herself drawn to the charming actor. As the lines between duty and desire blur, Hannah must confront her growing feelings while keeping Jack safe. A heartwarming tale of unexpected love and self-discovery.

Happiness for Beginners

Helen Carpenter’s life is in shambles. Newly divorced at 32, she decides to shake things up by joining a wilderness survival course in Wyoming. Hoping to find herself amidst the rugged landscape, Helen’s plans are thrown off-kilter when her brother’s best friend, Jake, unexpectedly joins the trip. As they navigate treacherous terrain and face personal challenges, Helen discovers inner strength she never knew she had. With humor, heart, and a touch of romance, this story explores second chances and the transformative power of nature. It’s a journey that’ll make you laugh, cry, and yearn for your own mountain adventure.

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.

The Enchantment

Angie Malone’s world crumbles when her marriage falls apart and her beloved restaurant closes. Seeking solace, she returns to her childhood home on Mystic Lake. There, she rediscovers the magic of small-town life and unexpected love. As she helps a troubled young girl navigate loss, Angie finds healing and purpose. With vivid characters and heartfelt prose, Hannah weaves a tale of second chances, family bonds, and the transformative power of community. A poignant reminder that life’s greatest joys often arise from its deepest sorrows.

Once in Every Life

Tess Gregory’s life changes forever when a tragic accident leaves her in a coma. Awakening in 1861, she finds herself in the body of Mary Lange, a Civil War nurse. Struggling to adapt to her new reality, Tess discovers unexpected strength and purpose in caring for wounded soldiers. As she navigates the chaos of war and her growing feelings for a handsome doctor, Tess must decide whether to fight for a way back to her old life or embrace the chance at love and redemption in this tumultuous era.

When Lightning Strikes

Megan’s life was picture-perfect until that fateful night when lightning struck, shattering her world. Now, she’s piecing together the fragments of her past while navigating an uncertain future. As she seeks solace in her small coastal town, unexpected connections bloom, challenging her to confront long-buried truths. Hannah’s prose crackles with emotion, weaving a tale of resilience and redemption that kept me up well past midnight. A poignant reminder that sometimes, it takes a storm to clear the air and reveal what truly matters.

If You Believe

Kristin Hannah’s “If You Believe” is a poignant tale of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a small Alaskan town, the story follows Mariah Throckmorton, a woman haunted by her past. When a mysterious stranger arrives, her world is turned upside down. Hannah’s vivid prose brings the rugged landscape to life, while her characters grapple with deep emotional wounds. This heart-wrenching novel explores the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit, leaving readers both moved and inspired.