New York Public Library lists top 50 romance picks for 2025

The New York Public Library (NYPL) has released its highly anticipated *Best New Romance for Adults* list, featuring 50 diverse and captivating titles handpicked by a team of dedicated librarians, per bookriot.com. Announced on February 13, the list celebrates the breadth of the romance genre, offering something for every reader—from historical dramas to paranormal love stories and laugh-out-loud rom-coms.  

Curated by 10 librarians who collectively read over 250 romance novels annually, the list highlights standout titles like Any Duke in a Storm by Amalie Howard, Frequent Fliers by Noue Kirwan, and Looking for Love in All The Haunted Places by Claire Kann. Popular tropes such as enemies-to-lovers and meet-cute moments are also well-represented, ensuring readers can find their next swoon-worthy read.  

Kate Fais, Young Adult Librarian and co-chair of the Best Romance List committee, emphasised the genre’s diversity in a recent interview. “Romance reflects the world we live in—rich, varied, and full of heart,” she said. Fais also noted that romance remains the second most popular genre at NYPL, trailing only behind mystery, with its popularity showing no signs of slowing down.  

The list arrives just in time for the season of love, offering readers a chance to explore fresh narratives and discover new favorites. Whether you’re a fan of “romantasy,” sports romance, or monster love stories, NYPL’s 2025 selection promises to deliver.  

For the full list of recommendations, visit the NYPL website and dive into a world of love, laughter, and happily-ever-afters.  

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