Beverly Jenkins is a legend for a reason, and Indigo is a masterclass in historical romance. This book has everything: an unapologetic heroine with unflinching morals, a love interest who respects her while pushing her buttons, and chemistry so electric you’ll feel it through the pages. The plot moves at a steady pace, and the emotional payoff is worth the tension. If you love historical romance that’s as empowering as it is swoon-worthy, this is your next obsession.

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

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Vibe: Queer, achingly sweet, friends-to-lovers

Alexis Hall delivers with A Lady for a Duke, a historical queer romance that’s as tender as it is steamy. This isn’t just a love story—it’s a celebration of friendship, trust, and the courage to be yourself. The slow burn is exquisite, the emotional depth is unmatched, and the characters? I’d follow them anywhere. If you’ve ever wanted a romance that feels like a warm hug for your soul, this is it. It was a much-needed reminder that even in the hardest of circumstances, the queer community has always existed, and so to the allies that loved and protected them.

Contemporary Romance

Falls from Grace by Ruby Landers

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Vibe: Sapphic, slow burn, country music/rockstar romance

Oh, Falls from Grace, you making me wait. This sapphic contemporary romance is pure emotional magic. Ruby Landers crafts a slow-burn love story between a country music star and a wayward lifeguard that’s as much about healing as it is about passion. We travel on a train destined for collision, and yet I couldn't look away. When everything goes pear-shaped, we get some satisfying character development. The sapphic longing is worth every second. If you love romances that make you feel every emotion under the sun, this book is for you.

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Kennedy Ryan’s Skyland series isn’t just romance—it’s a masterclass in character-driven storytelling. Each book in this series guts you emotionally while also healing your soul. The characters are flawed, real, and deeply lovable, and their journeys toward love and self-discovery are nothing short of transformative. If you want romance that’s as much about personal growth as it is about passion, you need this series in your life.

Flirting Lessons is the Sapphic rom-com we all needed. It’s fun, flirty, and full of heart, with a fake-dating trope that’s executed to perfection. But what really makes this book shine is its exploration of self-discovery and authenticity. It’s the kind of romance that makes you smile so hard your face hurts, while also hitting you right in the feels. If you’re looking for a book that’s both lighthearted and meaningful, this is it.

The Long Run by James Acker

Amazon | Bookshop.org | StoryGraph | Goodreads

Vibe: YA, gay romance, star-crossed track bros

The Long Run is pure, unadulterated fun. This YA contemporary Achillean romance follows two star-crossed track and field bros in a story that’s equal parts sweet, steamy, and full of heart. The bro-y dynamic is everything, and the audiobook narration? Chef’s kiss. If you love romances that are medium-paced, heartfelt, and impossible to put down, you’ll devour this one. I love the realistic characters dealing with relatable senior-year stress and family dynamics. The coming-out scenes are some of the most realistic I've ever read. And shout-out for the bisexual rep.

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Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on the 2025 Romance Edition of Books I Won’t STFU About! These books made me feel all the feels—laughter, tears, swooning, and everything in between. Whether you’re into historical romance, contemporary slow burns, or YA love stories, these reads are unputdownable.

Which one are you adding to your TBR? Let me know in the comments—I’m always down to fangirl (or cry) with you! 💖

/rae/