August 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable month for romance readers. With a diverse lineup of releases, from steamy cowboy encounters to paranormal rom-coms and second-chance romances, there’s a story to capture every heart. This month’s offerings delve into a rich tapestry of human emotions, exploring themes of love, loss, healing, and self-discovery. Whether you’re drawn to the witty banter of a workplace romance, the heart-pounding suspense of a spy thriller, or the tender moments of a slow-burn connection, you’ll find a book to get lost in.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, romance novels provide a much-needed escape, a space where we can believe in the power of love to conquer all. The authors featured this month are masters of their craft, weaving intricate plots and creating characters so real you’ll feel like you know them. They take us on emotional journeys, making us laugh, cry, and, most importantly, feel. From the rugged landscapes of the American West to the bustling streets of London and the magical shores of Ireland, these stories transport us to different worlds and allow us to experience love in all its forms.

As you dive into these pages, you’ll encounter characters who are flawed yet relatable, facing challenges that test their strength and resilience. You’ll witness the transformative power of love as it heals old wounds, bridges divides, and creates new beginnings. So, get ready to clear your schedule, find a cozy reading nook, and prepare to be swept off your feet. Here are the 10 must-read romance books of August 2025 that you won’t want to miss. For more romance recommendations, be sure to check out That Love Podcast's romance book recommendations.

1. Outlier (Daydreamer #3) by Susie Tate

Susie Tate delivers another emotionally charged and deeply moving story in Outlier, the third installment in the Daydreamer series. This novel is a poignant exploration of neurodiversity, trauma, and the healing power of unconditional love. The story centers on Vicky, a woman who has always felt like an outsider. She’s brilliant and beautiful but struggles with social interactions, making her feel isolated and misunderstood. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Mike, a burly, no-nonsense man who is everything she’s not.

Vicky’s fascination with Mike is immediate and all-consuming, a new and bewildering experience for a woman who has never been attracted to anyone before. However, Mike, initially, is not impressed. He sees her as an “Ice Princess,” cold and aloof, and is irritated by her apparent crush on him. But as the story unfolds, we learn that there’s more to Vicky than meets the eye. Her seemingly odd behaviors are a result of her neurodivergence and a deeply traumatic past that has left her with invisible scars.

Tate does a masterful job of portraying Vicky’s inner world, allowing readers to understand her struggles and empathize with her journey. The novel delves into the complexities of her family relationships, revealing a history of neglect and emotional abuse that has shaped her self-perception. Through her interactions with Mike and other supporting characters, Vicky begins to heal and discover her own worth. The romance between Vicky and Mike is a slow burn, filled with tension and misunderstanding at first, but it gradually blossoms into a beautiful and powerful connection built on acceptance and understanding.

Outlier is a testament to the fact that love can be found in the most unexpected places and that everyone deserves to be seen and loved for who they are. To explore more about the complexities of love and relationships, consider reading about the importance of emotional connection in romance novels.

2. Falling into Place by Allison Ashley

Allison Ashley, known for her heartwarming and emotional romances, brings us Falling into Place, a story about taking chances, overcoming the past, and finding love where you least expect it. The novel introduces us to Carly Porter, a talented accountant and aspiring personal stylist who has always played it safe. Haunted by her mother’s compulsive gambling, Carly is determined to build a stable and secure life for herself. But when her best friend, Sasha, asks for her help in saving their struggling fashion magazine, Carly finds herself taking the biggest risk of her life.

The magazine’s last-ditch effort to boost sales is a highly publicized makeover of an Oklahoma City bachelor, who happens to be Sasha’s older brother, Brooks. Brooks is a work-obsessed physician, still grappling with a devastating loss that has left him withdrawn and antisocial. He reluctantly agrees to the makeover to help his sister, and Carly is tasked with transforming him from a man who lives in scrubs to a dapper, confident bachelor. As Carly works her magic, she and Brooks discover a connection that neither of them expected. The more time they spend together, the more they realize that their chemistry is undeniable.

Ashley masterfully weaves a tale of two people who are both struggling with their own demons. Carly is afraid to pursue her dreams, and Brooks is afraid to open his heart to love again. Their journey is one of healing and self-discovery as they help each other confront their fears and embrace the possibility of a future together. Falling into Place is a story that will make you believe in the power of second chances and the importance of taking a leap of faith. The novel is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and hope, with a romance that will leave you swooning. For those who enjoy stories about second chances, this article on second-chance romances might be of interest. For more about this book, you can visit its Goodreads page.

3. I Hope This Finds You by Ann Liang

Ann Liang returns with a delightful novella, I Hope This Finds You, that continues the story of academic rivals-to-lovers Sadie and Julius. In the first book, I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, readers were captivated by the witty banter and undeniable chemistry between the two protagonists. Now, in this highly anticipated sequel, we get to see their love story unfold on a two-week trip to California.

The novella is told from both Sadie’s and Julius’s perspectives, giving readers an intimate look into their thoughts and feelings as they navigate their newfound relationship. The story explores the anxieties and insecurities that can arise when a relationship feels almost too good to be true. Sadie and Julius, who have spent so much of their lives competing with each other, must now learn to trust and rely on each other in a whole new way. As they explore the sunny landscapes of California, they also explore the depths of their feelings for each other, confronting their fears and insecurities head-on.

Liang’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, and she has a real talent for creating characters who are both relatable and endearing. The novella is filled with fluffy, humorous moments that are pure serotonin, but it also delves into the more serious aspects of building a life with someone. Sadie and Julius must decide if their love is strong enough to withstand the challenges that lie ahead, as they plan to build their lives on opposite sides of the world. I Hope This Finds You is a sweet and satisfying continuation of a beloved love story, a perfect read for fans of the first book and anyone who enjoys a good academic rivals-to-lovers romance. To learn more about the author and her work, visit her official website. For a deeper dive into the world of academic rivals, check out this article on the trope.

4. The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold (Blonde Identity #2) by Ally Carter

Ally Carter, the queen of spy-tastic young adult fiction, brings her signature blend of action, humor, and romance to the adult scene with The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold, the second book in the Blonde Identity series. This action-packed, second-chance rom-com throws two rival spies together in a high-stakes mission where they must trust each other to stay alive.

The story begins with our two protagonists waking up, bruised and handcuffed together in a dark, unknown location. They have no idea how they got there or who is after them. The only thing they know for sure is that they have a long and complicated history. They joined the CIA together, he left the service, they fell in love, and she disappeared from his life without a word. Now, they are forced to team up, relying on their training and their undeniable chemistry to survive.

Carter is a master of creating fast-paced, suspenseful plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel is a thrilling ride, with twists and turns at every corner. But at its heart, it’s a story about two people who have never been able to forget each other. The banter between the two spies is sharp and witty, and their chemistry is electric. As they race against time to uncover the truth, they are also forced to confront their past and the feelings they still have for each other. The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold is a perfect blend of a gripping spy thriller and a swoon-worthy romance, a must-read for fans of both genres. For more on spy romances, you might enjoy this list of spy-themed books. And if you're a fan of Ally Carter's YA books, you'll love her foray into adult fiction.

5. Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings

Mazey Eddings, known for her witty and heartfelt romances that destigmatize mental health, is back with Well, Actually, a second-chance romance that is both hilarious and emotionally resonant. The novel follows Eva Kitt, a woman whose journalism dreams have been sidelined for a gig hosting a show called Sausage Talk, where she interviews B-list celebrities over lukewarm hot dogs. Her life takes a dramatic turn when an impromptu public call-out of her college ex goes viral.

The ex in question is Rylie Cooper, a beloved social media personality who has built a platform on deconstructing toxic masculinity and teaching men how to be good partners. The viral video forces them to confront each other on a live episode of Sausage Talk, where Rylie proposes a deal: he’ll take Eva on a series of dates to make up for his past behavior, and they will debrief the dates on his channel to show that he has changed. Eva agrees to the scheme, seeing it as an opportunity to advance her own career and, perhaps, get a little revenge.

What starts as a manufactured publicity stunt soon begins to feel all too real. As Eva and Rylie spend more time together, they are forced to confront the reasons their relationship ended and the feelings they still have for each other. Eddings does a brilliant job of exploring the complexities of forgiveness and personal growth. The novel is a poignant reminder that people can change and that sometimes, the person who broke your heart can also be the one to heal it. Well, Actually is a smart, funny, and deeply moving story about love, redemption, and the courage to give someone a second chance. For another take on second-chance romances, you might like this article from That Love Podcast.

6. Zomromcom (Supernatural Entanglements #1) by Olivia Dade

Olivia Dade, the USA Today bestselling author of Spoiler Alert, ventures into the world of paranormal romance with Zomromcom, the first book in the Supernatural Entanglements series. This infectious new novel is a delightful blend of humor, action, and romance, set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse. When Edie Brandstrup tries to save her seemingly harmless neighbor from a zombie attack, she is stunned to discover that he is a centuries-old, surly vampire named Gaston “Max” Boucher.

Max, with his ridiculously large sword and unexpected protectiveness, saves Edie and insists that she stay in his safety bunker until the zombie breach is resolved. But Edie is not one to sit on the sidelines when innocent people are in danger. She is determined to help, and Max refuses to let her go alone. As they team up to unravel a sinister conspiracy to unleash zombies on the world, they meet a cast of lovable allies and discover that they are not the only ones fighting for the future of humanity.

Dade has a gift for creating quirky, lovable characters and witty, laugh-out-loud dialogue. The chemistry between Edie and Max is sizzling, and their banter is a joy to read. The novel is a perfect blend of a thrilling paranormal adventure and a heartwarming romance. It explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the importance of finding love in the darkest of times. Zomromcom is a fresh and original take on the paranormal romance genre, a must-read for fans of Olivia Dade and anyone who loves a good zombie story with a romantic twist. For more paranormal romance recommendations, check out this list from Bustle.

7. If Not for My Baby by Kate Golden

Kate Golden makes her contemporary romance debut with If Not for My Baby, a sensational story about a rock star and his backup singer who find a new kind of harmony off stage. Clementine Clark is a rational and practical young woman who has buried her musical dreams to take care of her mother. Love is the last thing on her mind, especially after growing up with a single mom who was constantly heartbroken. But when her best friend offers her a life-changing opportunity to join Irish megastar Halloran on his first US tour as a backing vocalist, she can’t refuse the chance to change her and her mom’s life.

Overnight, Clementine’s life is turned upside down. She goes from serving enchiladas in a small Texas town to performing in sold-out stadiums. The whiplash of her new life is nothing compared to the rush of performing with the enigmatic and lyrical genius, Thomas Patrick Halloran. Halloran is a poet and an introvert, and he and Clementine couldn’t be more different. But as they spend eight weeks on tour together, they discover a connection that is as powerful as the music they create.

Golden has crafted a beautiful and emotional story about the power of music to bring people together and the courage it takes to follow your dreams. The romance between Clementine and Halloran is a slow burn, filled with longing and palpable chemistry. The novel is a lyrical and heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the healing power of music. If Not for My Baby is a stunning debut that will resonate with anyone who has ever been moved by a song or a love story. To delve deeper into rockstar romances, you might enjoy this article from That Love Podcast. You can find out more about the book on Penguin Random House's website.

8. Heart Strings (Love in Galway #2) by Ivy Fairbanks

Ivy Fairbanks, the author of the TikTok sensation Morbidly Yours, returns with Heart Strings, the second book in the Love in Galway series. This sizzling exes-to-lovers, second-chance romance is set against the backdrop of a weekend-long Irish castle wedding. Cielo “Lo” Valdez is a tough-as-nails Texan who doesn’t believe in second chances. Surviving cancer at seventeen taught her that life is too short to waste time on people who have wronged you. But Aidan O’Toole, the man who broke her heart, is determined to prove to her that life is too long not to spend it together.

Lo and Aidan fell hard and fast when she moved to Galway for medical school. Aidan, a gorgeous, tattooed, mandolin-playing lawyer, swept her off her feet. But when he was given the opportunity of a lifetime—to move to London and record an album—he took it, leaving Lo heartbroken. Now, more than two years later, every song he writes is still about her. And every time Lo hears his voice on the radio, it’s a painful reminder of what she lost. When they are thrown together as the maid of honor and best man at her cousin’s wedding, they are forced to confront their past and the feelings that still linger between them.

Fairbanks has a talent for creating emotionally complex characters and steamy, passionate romances. Heart Strings is a story about forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of love. The novel is set in the beautiful Irish countryside, which serves as a romantic and atmospheric backdrop for Lo and Aidan’s story. If you’re a fan of second-chance romances with a lot of heart and heat, you won’t want to miss this one. For more Irish-set romances, check out this list from Goodreads.

9. Pucking Strong (Jacksonville Rays #4) by Emily Rath

Emily Rath delivers another emotionally charged and steamy installment in the Jacksonville Rays series with Pucking Strong. This time, she tells the long-awaited story of Teddy O’Connor, the team’s physical therapist, and Henrik Karlsson, the star forward of the Jacksonville Rays. The novel explores themes of demisexuality, grief, and family bonds, all wrapped up in a fake-marriage, hockey-romance package.

Teddy has been in love with Henrik for years, but he has always kept his feelings hidden, determined to maintain a professional relationship. But when Henrik’s sister tragically passes away, he must take on guardianship of his young niece. The Swedish government, however, won’t let him take custody alone. In a moment of desperation, Teddy offers to marry him. The team’s PR director needs them to make the marriage look real, and with their jobs and Henrik’s custody agreement on the line, they have no choice but to play along. The problem is, for Teddy, his love for Henrik is all too real.

Rath does a masterful job of exploring the complexities of Teddy and Henrik’s relationship. The novel is a sensitive and authentic portrayal of demisexuality, as Henrik comes to understand his own identity and his feelings for Teddy. The inclusion of Henrik’s niece adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, raising the stakes and highlighting the importance of family. Pucking Strong is a heartwarming and passionate story about love, acceptance, and the courage to be true to yourself. It’s a must-read for fans of the Jacksonville Rays series and anyone who loves a good hockey romance. For more on the fake-dating trope, check out this article on That Love Podcast.

10. Love Arranged (Lakefront Billionaires #3) by Lauren Asher

Lauren Asher, the bestselling author of the Dreamland Billionaires series, is back with Love Arranged, the third book in the Lakefront Billionaires series. Known for her angsty, emotional, and steamy romances, Asher delivers another captivating story that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. While the full plot details are still under wraps, fans of the series can expect another rollercoaster of emotions, with a broody billionaire, a strong-willed heroine, and a love story that will leave you breathless.

Asher has a talent for creating characters who are flawed and complex, yet utterly compelling. Her heroes are often alpha males who are brought to their knees by the love of a good woman, and her heroines are strong, independent, and not afraid to go after what they want. The Lakefront Billionaires series has been a fan favorite, and Love Arranged is sure to be another hit. If you’re a fan of billionaire romances with a lot of heart and steam, you’ll want to add this one to your TBR list. To discover more billionaire romances, you can explore this list on Goodreads. You can also explore more about Lauren Asher's books at your local library, which you can find through The Library Map.

Conclusion

August 2025 is a month brimming with romantic possibilities. The ten books highlighted here offer a diverse and exciting range of stories, each with its own unique charm. From the emotional depth of Outlier to the action-packed thrills of The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold, there’s a romance for every reader. These novels are more than just love stories; they are explorations of the human condition, with all its messiness, beauty, and hope. They remind us that love can be a powerful force for change, healing, and growth.

As you immerse yourself in these pages, you’ll be transported to different worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and experience the full spectrum of human emotions. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted escape or a deeply moving emotional journey, you’ll find it in this month’s releases. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and get ready to fall in love with these must-read romance books of August 2025. For more book reviews and recommendations, be sure to visit That Love Podcast's blog.

FAQs

1. What are the most anticipated romance book releases for August 2025?

The most anticipated romance book releases for August 2025 include Outlier by Susie Tate, Falling into Place by Allison Ashley, I Hope This Finds You by Ann Liang, The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold by Ally Carter, Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings, Zomromcom by Olivia Dade, If Not for My Baby by Kate Golden, Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks, Pucking Strong by Emily Rath, and Love Arranged by Lauren Asher.

2. Where can I find more information about these books?

You can find more information about these books on websites like Goodreads, Publisher's Weekly, and the authors' official websites.

3. Are there any paranormal romance books on this list?

Yes, Zomromcom by Olivia Dade is a paranormal romance about a woman who teams up with her vampire neighbor to fight zombies.

4. Are there any second-chance romances on this list?

Yes, Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings and Heart Strings by Ivy Fairbanks are both second-chance romances.

5. Are there any LGBTQ+ romances on this list?

Yes, Pucking Strong by Emily Rath features a male-male romance and explores the theme of demisexuality.

6. What is the best way to keep up with new romance book releases?

You can follow your favorite authors on social media, subscribe to newsletters from publishers and book bloggers, and check websites like Goodreads and The Millions for lists of upcoming releases.

7. Are any of these books part of a series?

Yes, several of the books on this list are part of a series. Outlier is the third book in the Daydreamer series, I Hope This Finds You is a novella in the I Hope This Doesn't Find You series, The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold is the second book in the Blonde Identity series, Zomromcom is the first book in the Supernatural Entanglements series, Heart Strings is the second book in the Love in Galway series, Pucking Strong is the fourth book in the Jacksonville Rays series, and Love Arranged is the third book in the Lakefront Billionaires series.

8. Where can I buy these books?

You can buy these books at your local bookstore, or online at retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.

9. Are there any debut novels on this list?

If Not for My Baby by Kate Golden is the author's contemporary romance debut.

10. What other resources can I use to find romance book recommendations?

You can check out That Love Podcast for more romance book reviews and recommendations.