These are the lesbian romance books that captured hearts in 2025—from Lambda Literary Award finalists to reader favorites that dominated sapphic BookTok. Whether you’re craving enemies-to-lovers banter, small-town meets Hollywood charm, or slow-burn friends-to-lovers, these five books delivered swoon-worthy moments and unforgettable characters. From YA romantic comedy to adult contemporary romance, here are the love stories that made 2025 a standout year for lesbian romance.
Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake
A small-town waitress and a Hollywood star’s worlds collide in this new romance by Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date. Ramona gave up art school and her costume design dreams twelve years ago to care for her sister in small-town Clover Lake, New Hampshire. When a big-budget rom-com films in town, she wonders if this could finally be her chance—until she discovers the star is Dylan Monroe, her first kiss and Hollywood’s favorite wild child. Dylan wants to prove she’s more than a chaotic nepo baby, so she asks Ramona to show her how to be a “normal person.” But as they reconnect, both women must decide if the spark between them will fan the flames of their dreams or extinguish their light entirely.
Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love by Jessica Lewis
Nav knows how to flirt, but she also knows love is a messy losing proposition—just look at her best friend Hallie, who’s constantly getting her heart broken. When shy new girl Gia asks Nav for help getting Hallie’s attention, Nav strikes a deal: romance lessons in exchange for a spot at Hallie’s boring academic camp. There’s just one problem—Gia’s not just bad at flirting, she’s catastrophically terrible, too anxious to even speak to Hallie. Worse, every awkward joke and disastrous fake date makes Nav like Gia a little bit more…and not in a friend way. As Nav’s feelings change, she’ll have to decide what’s more important: sticking to her plan for the perfect summer or taking a chance on love she never expected.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
In #1 New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston’s latest romantic comedy, two bisexual exes accidentally book the same European food and wine tour and challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they’re over each other—except they’re definitely not. Four years after their brutal breakup on a transatlantic flight, Theo (aspiring sommelier with a roster of casual lovers) and Kit (Paris pastry god) finally decide to use their unused tour voucher. Solo. Separately. Except they both board the same bus and are now trapped together for three weeks of stunning views, luscious flavors, and the most romantic cities of France, Spain, and Italy—so Theo suggests a friendly wager to see who can sleep with their hot Italian tour guide first. But sometimes a taste of everything only makes you crave what you can’t have.
Loser of the Year by Carrie Byrd
Mattie Belman’s life has gone from dismal to desperate—after losing her acting career, her marriage, and her usual optimism, she’s back home teaching high school theater at St. Rita’s Catholic school. Maybe it’ll be a fresh start. Enter Jillian Reed, the arrogant butch ice queen soccer coach who sees Mattie’s musical as an outrageous distraction for her champion players. When Jillian declares war, Mattie is far too stubborn to back down—but as she discovers there might be more to Jillian than spectacle, fire, and ego, she gets dangerously close to her iron-willed colleague. Can she avoid temptation, or will the growing flame in Jillian’s dark eyes ignite them both?
Those Who Wait by Haley Cass
Sutton Spencer’s graduate school goals are simple: finish her degree and fall in love—if only she could figure out what to do after graduation and how to talk to women without feeling completely hopeless. Charlotte Thompson is her exact opposite: clear career path in politics, no time for romance, and a preference for fleeting, casual, and discreet encounters that don’t compromise her ambitions. When they meet through a dating app, it’s immediately clear they aren’t suited for anything more than friendship. Right? A slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance about texting intimacy, small moments that build to something bigger, and two women learning what they actually want.
Originally published in 2020, this reissue makes it the 2025 romance sleep hit!